As the Western Cape faces months of heavy rain, there’s growing concern that this might signal an even more challenging fire season ahead.

While rain typically seems like a good thing, in this case, it’s setting the stage for potential wildfire risks.

The government is already taking action by allocating funds to prepare for what could be a dangerous period.

How Does Rainfall Contribute to Fire Risks?

You might be wondering, “How does more rain lead to a higher fire risk?”

According to Samkelo Magwala, a forecaster from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), it’s all about the chain reaction that starts with increased precipitation.

More rain leads to more vegetation growth, and as that vegetation dries out, it becomes fuel for wildfires.

Magwala pointed out that both the frequency and intensity of wildfires are influenced by how much rain a region receives.

Adding to the concern, Wouter Kriel, a spokesperson for Local Government MEC Anton Bredell, mentioned that washed-out roads from the recent heavy rains could complicate firefighting efforts.

These damaged roads might restrict access for firefighting vehicles, making it harder to reach critical areas in time.

Record-Breaking Rainfall in Cape Town

July 2024 was a month for the record books in Cape Town, with rainfall reaching 317.6mm—more than double the usual amount for this time of year.

To put it in perspective, the long-term average for July is just 128.0mm.

This excessive rain didn’t just impact Cape Town; it affected the entire southwestern region of South Africa.

The South African Weather Service noted that July 2024 had some of the highest rainfall totals ever recorded in the area.

Even the Cape Town International Airport station, which has been tracking weather since 1956, saw its highest monthly rainfall total on record.

This unprecedented weather is now raising alarms about what the upcoming fire season might look like.

Government Prepares for Fire Season

Last year, the Western Cape battled over 9,500 fires during the fire season, resulting in more than 135,000 hectares of land being scorched.

With such a severe fire season potentially on the horizon, the government isn’t taking any chances.

In preparation, the government has allocated around R16 million for aerial firefighting support.

They’ve also set aside an additional R1 million for specialized ground teams.

These funds will be used to bolster the efforts of municipal bodies and conservation organizations in combating the expected fires.

What’s Next?

As the Western Cape gears up for what could be one of its most challenging fire seasons, all eyes are on the weather patterns and government preparations.

The combination of heavy rainfall, rising temperatures, and strong winds will create the perfect conditions for wildfires.

The question now is whether the province will be able to handle the fires when they inevitably come.

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