SA’s deadliest wildfire season claims 34 lives amid climate crisis

The 2024 fire season broke records with 2 750 firefighting teams dispatched, 34 lives lost, including many firefighters, and thousands of livestock destroyed.

“As South Africa’s 2024 winter fire season draws to a close, we find ourselves grappling with the harsh reality of a record death toll: 34 lives lost, including numerous firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our communities, property, and environment, amid the backdrop of an evolving climate crisis.

“This tragic milestone underscores the escalating wildfire crisis we face – a crisis fuelled by climate change and increasingly volatile weather patterns,” said managing director of Working on Fire (WoF), Trevor Abrahams.

While the total area burned – 3 997 732 hectares – remained below historical averages, the rising intensity and frequency of these fires continue to challenge firefighting resources.

Mpumalanga alone, the province hardest hit, reported massive structural damage, further compounding its disaster declaration.

Over 2 051 livestock were destroyed, and critical infrastructure damaged.

“This season’s fires did not occur in isolation. Globally, we are witnessing a new era of wildfire intensity. July 2024, the hottest month ever recorded, set the stage for unprecedented fire activity across the globe, from Canada to Greece.

Here in South Africa, rising seasonal temperatures, prolonged droughts, and delayed rainfall are creating ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread.

“Climate change is no longer a distant challenge; it is here. It is visible in the early onset of fire seasons, in their extended duration, and in the growing danger faced by our firefighters,” Abrahams said.

He noted that the physical and mental toll on firefighters this season has been immense.

“These men and women worked long hours in extreme conditions – facing intense heat, dense smoke, and constant pressure to save lives. Their courage and resilience inspire us, but they also highlight the urgent need for better support, from protective equipment to mental health services.”

WoF said the fire season has shown that prevention is as important as response.

Integrated Fire Management Solutions (IFMS), the model adopted by WoF, provides a road map for addressing this challenge with an approach that combines public awareness, fuel load reduction, and rapid-response capabilities.

“Controlled burns and vegetation management are critical tools, particularly as climate change exacerbates risks in fire-prone regions,” Abrahams said.

“As we transition to the summer fire season, we face new threats in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

The urban-wildland interface poses unique risks as dense vegetation and strong winds meet residential areas, reinforcing the urgent need for strategic adaptation measures.

Higher-than-average temperatures and conditions fuelled by earlier floods further compound these risks.

Our teams are prepared to meet these challenges, drawing on lessons from the winter season. But preparation alone is not enough. We need a unified national effort that includes government, private sector, and community participation,” he added.

Cape Times