Globally, we are witnessing a new era of wildfire intensity and SA was no exception. The 2024 fire season broke records, with 2 750 firefighting teams dispatched, thousands of livestock destroyed, and 34 human lives lost, including many firefighters, writes Trevor Abrahams, Managing Director of Working on Fire.

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.

The 2024 fire season broke records, with 2 750 firefighting teams dispatched. 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 damages, further compounding its disaster declaration.

This season, South Africa not only lost lives but also livelihoods, with thousands displaced, over 2 051 livestock destroyed, and critical infrastructure damaged. These numbers reflect more than just statistics; they represent human lives, families, and futures disrupted by a crisis we are not yet fully equipped to confront.

The Climate Connection

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.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has long warned of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in South Africa. Their predictions, outlined in the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas, are becoming our reality: heatwaves, dry spells, and severe storms are not only increasing fire risks but also threatening food security, water availability, and livelihoods.

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.

The Human Cost

The loss of 34 lives, including those of brave firefighters, is a devastating reminder of the stakes involved. The physical and mental toll on our firefighters this season has been immense. These men and women worked long hours in extreme conditions – facing intense heat, dense smoke, and the 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.

This season also devastated communities. Families lost homes, farmers lost herds, and the environment suffered irreparable damage. In Mpumalanga alone, the financial toll underscores the broader economic impact of wildfires. This is about more than hectares burned – it’s about safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

Lessons from COP29

The conclusion of the 2024 winter fire season coincides with the end of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where world leaders pledged to mobilise $300 billion annually by 2035 to help developing nations adapt to climate change. While this commitment is a step in the right direction, it is not enough. Experts estimate that $1.3 trillion annually is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. For South Africa, tangible support from these global pledges must come swiftly.

At Working on Fire, we see the consequences of climate change every day. We need funding for wildfire prevention and management, advanced firefighting technologies, and support for the vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of this crisis. Global discussions must translate into action on the ground, and nations like ours cannot afford to wait for incremental change.

A Way Forward

This fire season has shown us that prevention is as important as response. Integrated Fire Management Solutions (IFMS), the model adopted by Working on Fire, provides a roadmap for addressing this challenge. Our approach 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.

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.

A Call to Action

South Africa’s wildfire crisis is not just our problem – it is a global issue, part of a broader pattern of climate-driven disasters. At COP29, the international community recognised the urgency of these challenges, but recognition is not enough. We need action, investment, and innovation.

This season’s record death toll must serve as a wake-up call. Without decisive action, the human and environmental costs will only grow. The courage of our firefighters shines brightly amid the smoke and flames, but we cannot continue to ask them to bear this burden alone. The stakes are too high.

Issued by Working on Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture

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Email:  linton.rensburg@wofire.co.za