Cape Town: The world will commemorate the International Firefighters Day on May 04, 2026. In Cape Town also, firefighters wearing the uniform respond to thousands of incidents each year, and the demands on the service keep growing.
Reportedly, in the past year (1 May – 29 April), the Fire and Rescue Service responded to 30,302 incidents. It was an increase of 454 incidents compared to the same period the year before.
Vegetation fires, motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, informal residential fires and formal residential fires account for the bulk of responses.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that these statistics are staggering, but they also offer a clear view of the demands and pressures on the service. They are indebted to the frontline staff members but are also the support staff who are critical to the overall operations of the service.
On International Firefighters Day, they pause to acknowledge their courage, determination and service.
Smith added that the City of Cape Town continues to invest in the Fire and Rescue Service through resources, equipment and yet another new Fire Station build, but he wanted to remind the public that they too need to be a part of the story.
Fire safety starts with each and every one of them. The more they can do to prevent fires or any other emergency, the more they reduce the growing load on the firefighters.
The proposed capital budget for the Safety and Security Directorate in the 2026-27 financial year includes R20 million for fire station upgrades, considering Brooklyn, Mfuleni and Constantia, as well as R3 million in initial investment on the construction of a fire station in Langa.
In recent years, the Fire and Rescue Service has hosted an event that allows the public to get a closer look at the inner workings of the department. This year is no exception the public is invited to join in at the Wesfleur Sports Ground in Atlantis on Saturday, May 09, 2026 between 09:45 a.m. and 03:00 p.m. for a day of exhibitions, live displays, sport and games.
According to Smith, the stadium event will be preceded by a cavalcade through the streets of Atlantis, starting at 08:30 a.m. This event should not be missed, so it is requested to do diarise it and bring the whole family along for a glimpse into the fascinating world of the Fire and Rescue Service.