The Western Cape Government has formally requested provincial disaster classifications for both the escalating wildfire crisis and deepening water security challenges, as authorities warn that the scale and duration of the emergencies now exceed normal response capacity.

Premier Alan Winde announced the move on Thursday following a Cabinet meeting focused on disaster response.

The request has been submitted to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act, which would unlock emergency funding and allow the province to shift resources rapidly to where they are most needed.

 “The request for a Provincial Disaster Classification is a preventative and risk management measure,” Winde said.

“It allows us to strengthen governance and sustain a coordinated response, desperately needed to mitigate the impact on residents, the economy, and infrastructure.”

Worst fire season in a decade

The 2025/26 fire season is already being described as the most severe since 2015.

According to the Premier, around 132 000 hectares have burned across the province so far, nearly double the number of fires recorded during the same period last season.

Multiple structures have been destroyed and wildlife losses have been significant. However, there have been no human fatalities.

“When tackling disasters such as this, our sole priority is to protect lives and as far as possible infrastructure, including homes,” Winde said.

“It is deeply unfortunate that structures have been destroyed. But our main priority is ensuring public safety.”

Between December 1, 2025, and January 11, 2026, the provincial government spent more than R19 million on firefighting operations, including R16 million on aerial firefighting. Local governments are estimated to have spent at least three times that amount.

“The provincial government picks up the tab for the first hour of aerial firefighting. Ninety percent of fires are put out in the first hour,” the Premier said.

More than 1 600 municipal firefighters and 1 000 Working on Fire personnel are currently deployed across the province. Projections indicate the fire season could extend into May 2026, driven by persistent hot, dry and windy conditions.

Drought pressures municipalities

At the same time, several municipalities are grappling with worsening water shortages. Knysna has been identified as the hardest hit, but the problem is spreading.

“This issue has become more widespread. We must escalate our responses,” Winde said.

Water restrictions are already in place in multiple areas, and Cabinet supported a second request to the NDMC for a disaster classification specifically related to water security in the Southern Cape.

“A number of municipalities in the province are experiencing water security challenges, which require a coordinated response,” the Premier said.

Budget shifts and emergency powers

If approved, the disaster classifications would allow the province to move budgets between departments to bolster firefighting, water infrastructure and municipal supply systems.

“Disaster declarations allow us to move budgets between departments so that we can bolster municipal firefighting operations, water infrastructure, and supply,” Winde said.

He also stressed that the province must continue scaling up long-term programmes to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis, even while dealing with immediate emergencies.

Call for vigilance

The Premier urged residents to comply with fire restrictions, use water sparingly, and report any signs of fire immediately.

“As we enter a new year, we must continue to act with urgency to get things done,” he said.

“We dare not let our guard down.”

Winde thanked frontline workers across the province:

“Your courage, professionalism, and commitment, often under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances, do not go unnoticed. The Western Cape is safer and stronger because of you.”

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