Cape Town: Fire Hydrants of city are in spotlight. The maintenance of easy access to fire hydrants is a critical element of fire preparedness. The Fire and Rescue Service of the City of Cape Town combined hydrant maintenance with a community awareness session in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, last Monday.
The Fire and Rescue Service Department responded to over 18,000 vegetation and residential fires in the last financial year. Network of nearly 58,000 fire hydrants around the city supports their efforts. Also, hydrants are a critical source of water in the event of fire.
Reportedly, the Fire and Rescue Service staff visited Sir Lowry’s Pass Village on Monday, August 25, 2025 to test, paint and record information about fire hydrants. The staff added an extra layer, by engaging residents on the importance of hydrants in ensuring emergency preparedness.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that an effective fire response requires skilled staff, sufficient resources and a steady supply of water, hence the need for fire hydrants increases.
According to Smith, their experience has shown that these critical pieces of equipment are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. Also, there are motorists who insist on blocking hydrants, either willfully or due to lack of awareness.
He said that the City of Cape Town has recorded very good response times to fires, but they also need communities to step up and help in protecting their hydrants.
Furthermore, the team is spreading the message about the importance of always ensuring that firefighters have easy access to hydrants, but also to report any leaking or damaged hydrant to the nearest Fire Station.
The public is also encouraged to report the improper and unauthorised use of fire hydrants for purposes “OTHER” than firefighting.
Regular inspections are done, which ensure that hydrants are in good working order and can deliver the required high-pressure water in the event of an emergency – this also comply with SANS standards.