17/08/2022
Fire related fatalities in Cape Town have steadily increased in the past three years. The City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services says there has been 224 fire related deaths in the last year compared to 188 last year and 170 the year before. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says they responded to over 14 000 fires this year:
“The increases in fatalities and formal residential fires are of concern. Five of the incidents over the past year accounted for 20 fatalities. Formal house fires are up by 36%, and while there might be an inclination to point towards increased load-shedding, we do not have enough evidence to confirm such a link. It is an unfortunate reality that negligence and substance abuse continue to be contributing factors. We reiterate our call to communities and homeowners to keep fire safety top of mind at all times.”
PHOTO: City of Cape Town
