Western Cape fires
HOT and windy conditions are set to continue in the Western Cape this week, bringing a serious risk of runaway fires to the region. Fire fighters have been busy since early January battling fires in greater Cape Town and along the West Coast. City of Cape Town fire chief, Ian Schneiter, says most of the fires are started through negligence and urges the public to be more careful, especially at this time of the year. Open fires, barbecues and carelessly discarded cigarette butts can all cause fires to break out. Although people living in informal settlements where open fires are common are particularly at risk, wilderness areas are also prone to fires. Smoke from a veld fire on Devil’s Peak on Sunday caused busy De Waal Drive to be closed for five hours.
