CoCT urges residents to be aware of fire risks after metro records increase in residential fires
According to the metro, the increased residential fires pointed to a need to educate residents about awareness and fire risks.
A City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services fire engine. Picture: @CityofCT/X
CAPE TOWN - The City of Cape Town has recorded over 4,000 residential fires that resulted in over 200 fatalities in the 2023/2024 financial year.
The city said that informal settlement fires increased by 15% while formal residential fires increased by 27%.
According to the metro, the increased residential fires pointed to a need to educate residents about awareness and fire risks.
The municipality said that most of the fire incidents were as a result of negligence and alcohol abuse.
The city's MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, appealed to the public to stay away from anything that was flammable when they were under the influence of alcohol.
"The city has worked hard to ensure that it has a well-functioning Fire & Rescue Service that can respond effectively in the event of fire. But ultimately, fire safety in the home requires planning and buy-in from everyone who lives under a particular roof. The prospect of anything happening to your home or your loved ones is not the kind of conversation that too many of us want to have, but ultimately, that can be the difference between life and death. I want to plead with our residents to take the time to see what fire safety measures they can implement for their particular circumstances."