Alarming increase in residential fire incidents, cautions City of Cape Town
According to the city, over 4,000 residential fires have been recorded with over 200 deaths during the 2023/2024 financial year.
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CAPE TOWN - Illegal electricity connections, abuse of alcohol, and interference of bystanders when firefighters are at work, are counted among the major causes of an alarming increase in residential fire incidents in Cape Town.
This follows the city's release of its latest statistics for the 2023/2024 financial year on Thursday.
According to the city, over 4,000 residential fires have been recorded with over 200 deaths in the same period.
It said there's been a significant increase of 27% in formal residential areas and a 15% increase in informal settlement structures.
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith: "The statistical trends around fire fatalities are a stark reminder that many fires are the result of negligence, tied to alcohol abuse, and often with devastating consequences.
"These dangers have been highlighted time and again, but it bears repeating if you are going to drink or use drugs, stay away from anything that is flammable, whether cooking or using candles for lighting, or even smoking a cigarette, especially in bed."