Wildfire Trends in South Africa
- Ziyanda Sondlo
- Sep 27, 2024
- 3 min read
This article is a compilation of research from different website ,news reports and some history depicting wildfire trends in South Africa and its impact in communities, the economy and the environment.
South Africa has experienced a notable increase in wildfire incidents over recent years, driven by a combination of climate change, land-use practices, and increased human activity. The country’s diverse ecosystems, from savannahs to forests, are particularly vulnerable to wildfires, which can have devastating effects on biodiversity, air quality, and human settlements.
Wildfires are a recurring phenomenon in South Africa, influenced by a combination of environmental factors and human activities. As climate change intensifies, the trends and patterns of wildfires have become a critical area of study. This report explores recent statistics, causes, and media articles, highlighting the evolving landscape of wildfires in the country.
South Africa has a long history of wildfires, particularly in its grassland and forest ecosystems. According to the South African Weather Service, wildfires are more frequent during the dry summer months, typically from October to March. The country has seen an increase in wildfire incidents over the last few decades, with notable years of devastating fires, such as 2000, 2007, and 2019.
According to Global forest watch statistics there's been a change in the reports of wild fires since 2012
In South Africa the peak fire season typically begins in early June and lasts around 22 weeks. There were 15,661 VIIRS fire alerts reported between 25th of September 2023 and 23rd of September 2024 considering high confidence alerts only. This is high compared to previous years going back to 2012.
In South Africa there have been 10,800 VIIRS fire alerts reported so far in 2024 considering high confidence alerts only. This total is normal compared to the total for previous years going back to 2012. The most fires recorded in a year was 2023, with 18,944.
According to the South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Department of Environmental Affairs, the following statistics highlight the wildfire situation:
Increase in Frequency: Between 2000 and 2021, the frequency of wildfires in South Africa increased by approximately 30%.
Area Burned: In 2020, over 1 million hectares were recorded as burned land due to wildfires, a significant rise from earlier years.
Economic Impact: Wildfires in South Africa cost the economy an estimated R1.6 billion annually, affecting agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.
Fatalities and Injuries: Recent data indicates that wildfires have resulted in approximately 50 fatalities and numerous injuries over the past five years, with many incidents occurring during the dry winter months.
The severity of these fires is influenced by factors such as drought, land management practices, and the encroachment of human settlements into rural areas. The South African Weather Service projected that fire-prone areas in the country would increase by 20% by 2030 if current climate trends continue.
Causes of Wildfires
The primary causes of wildfires in South Africa are classified as natural and human-induced. Natural causes include lightning strikes, while human-induced causes often involve:
Agricultural land clearing
Arson
Uncontrolled outdoor burning
Negligence (e.g., discarded cigarettes)
In 2023, a significant percentage of wildfires were attributed to land management practices that were not conducive to fire safety, leading to severe losses in biodiversity, property, and livestock.
The trends in wildfires in South Africa underscore a growing environmental crisis exacerbated by climate change and human activity. With increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, it is imperative for policymakers, researchers, and communities to collaborate on effective wildfire management strategies. Continued research and robust media coverage are essential to raise awareness and drive action to mitigate the impact of wildfires on both the environment and society.
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