By: Lee Kleynhans (Marketing Manager & Volunteer at VWS) and Bronwyn Bagley
According to the Global Fire Monitoring Centre (GFMC), the Western Cape experienced one of its driest Decembers in 1999 - conditions that would contribute to one of the largest wildfire disasters in the Western Cape and South African history.
On Sunday, 16 January 2000, a wildfire broke out along Ou Kaapse Weg. Driven by fierce winds and extreme heat, the blaze spread rapidly across Silvermine and by mid-afternoon had climbed the slopes of Constantiaberg. Within an hour, the fire had advanced more than a kilometre and reached the first homes in Hout Bay.
Over the next five days, the firestorm swept through Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough and Simon’s Town, threatening lives, homes, businesses and critical ecosystems across the South Peninsula.
It was during this devastating wildfire that the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) was born.
Initially nicknamed the “Flamebusters”, a group of passionate citizens answered a public call for help and stepped forward to support firefighting efforts. What began as an ad-hoc emergency response team formed during a crisis has evolved into one of South Africa’s most respected volunteer firefighting organisations.
Today, VWS is a highly organised non-profit organisation made up of more than 350 active volunteers operating from four stations: Newlands, South Peninsula, Stellenbosch and Helderberg.
Training for Extreme Conditions
Wildland firefighting demands far more than courage. It requires discipline, teamwork, physical endurance and highly specialised training.
Each year, professional training begins in April. New recruits are required to complete an accredited online Basic Wildfire Suppression course covering fire theory & behaviour, safety & situational awareness, suppression techniques, mop-up operations, hand tool & equipment usage, personal protective equipment (PPE), and communications.Volunteers then undergo comprehensive practical training in wildfire suppression, integrated fire management and advanced on-and off-road driving skills.
Existing members are required to requalify annually. This includes participating in operational drills, emergency scenarios and strenuous hikes through mountainous terrain in PPE whilst carrying fully loaded backpacks - both during daylight hours and at night.
At the end of training season, every volunteer must pass a fitness assessment appropriate to their operational role, as well as a written examination covering the internationally recognised 10 Standard Firefighting Orders and 18 Watch Out Situations.
While firefighters are often the public face of the organisation, VWS also relies heavily on volunteers fulfilling critical support functions including:
- Logistics and Logistical Support
- Planning, Control and Dispatch
- Fundraising and Events
- Administration and Operational Coordination
Every role contributes directly to keeping firefighters safe and operations effective during active wildfire incidents.
Increasing Fire Risk in the Western Cape
Historically, wildfire season in the Western Cape has typically run from October through to the end of March. However, changing climate conditions and prolonged dry periods are contributing to more frequent and increasingly intense wildfires.
The 2025/2026 fire season began with exceptional intensity and a significant increase in fires outside historical averages. These fires pose a major threat not only to natural ecosystems, but also to communities living in the wildland-urban interface - where residential areas border fire-prone vegetation.
VWS plays a critical role in protecting these vulnerable areas. Thanks to its exceptionally high standard of training, the organisation is able to deploy skilled and disciplined teams capable of operating in some of the Western Cape’s most challenging terrain and conditions.
Volunteers work in close collaboration with local authorities and partner agencies including:
- SANParks
- CapeNature
- Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association
- Overstrand Fire and Rescue
- Winelands Fire Protection Association
- City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Services
When additional boots on the ground are needed, VWS is regularly called upon to support large-scale wildfire operations throughout the province.
Serving the Community Beyond the Fireline
Community involvement and public education remain essential components of wildfire prevention and preparedness.
VWS actively participates in outreach programmes aimed at promoting wildfire awareness, risk reduction and community safety education throughout the Western Cape.
The discipline, organisational ability and operational coordination developed during training season have also enabled volunteers to play an important role in supporting major public events.
This year, VWS volunteers are tasked to assist with the Cape Town Trail Marathon, providing marshals and operational support across the 43km marathon, 22km trail run and 11km route through Table Mountain National Park.
Volunteers also provided support at the Two Oceans Marathon start areas, where more than 100 volunteers stepped up daily to assist with safety and event coordination.
In addition, VWS played an important role in the Charity Cableway Challenge by providing marshals, timing point support and sunset sweep, cut off time for the challenge.
These events demonstrate the remarkable level of commitment shown by VWS volunteers - not only during fire season on the fireline, but throughout the year in support of the broader community.
A Non-Profit Powered by Public Support
VWS is a section 21 not for profit company, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, responsible for strategic direction and oversight. Our skilled Station Management Teams are comprised of committed volunteers who ensure operational excellence, comprehensive training, and readiness for emergency response.
Consistent support is vital to ensuring the organisation can respond rapidly and effectively when wildfires threaten lives, livestock, farmland, property and environmentally sensitive areas.
Relying entirely on public and corporate funding, every donation contributes directly toward:
- Volunteer training
- Operational costs
- Protective equipment
- Vehicles and maintenance
- Communications and safety equipment
- Wildfire suppression resources
Most importantly, donations help ensure that highly trained volunteers remain ready to protect communities and preserve the unique natural landscapes of the Western Cape for generations to come.
As wildfire risk continues to grow, the role played by Volunteer Wildfire Services has never been more important.
2025/2026 FIRE SEASON:
Total hours: 9,703
Fireline hours: 9,011
Non-fireline: 692
Total crews: 122
6 BIGGEST FIRES (HRS):
Lang Rug (Franschhoek): 514
Cederberg – Uitkyk: 444
Pearly Beach Fire: 431
Bredasdorp: 390
Franschhoek: 940
Directly support the Volunteer Wildfire Services here.
