GRDM Firefighters ready and on standby for holiday season

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Due to the region’s high-risk summer fire season, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has enhanced its firefighting capacity.

“We’ve already noted the extremely dry vegetation, coupled with lower than usual rainfall and declining dam levels, and persistent hot and windy conditions. It is for this reason that the GRDM Firefighters have again increased their operational readiness across the district,” said Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer.

According to Mayor Marais Kruger, “the GRDM employs 32 full-time firefighters across its three fire stations located in George, Riversdale, and Ladismith. During the peak summer period, an additional 30 seasonal (temporary) firefighters are brought on board from now until the end of March 2026.”

The district’s firefighting fleet is equipped to respond rapidly across diverse and often challenging terrains.

Resources include:

4×4 off-road LDV skid units designed for rugged terrain and first-response deployment.
4×4 off-road fire trucks for mountain and veld firefighting.
Water tankers to support operations in water-scarce areas or in locations where hydrants are unavailable.

GRDM also has a chemical fire (otherwise known as hazmat) responsibility and has a fully equipped hazmat response unit at its regional station. Additionally, a first response equipped mobile trailers at the Riversdale station and at the Knysna Fire Department for similar purposes in the Bitou and Knysna area.

The procurement process is in an advanced stage for a 3rd First Response mobile trailer for the Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas.

Aerial resources for first hour deployment to high-risk fires, are funded through the Western Cape Government’s Fire and Rescue Services and Disaster Management Directorate as well as from the Department Forestry’s, Fisheries, and the Environment. Five aircraft is planned for this purpose, and will be positioned at Denneoord, comprising of Command-and-Control aircraft, helicopters and a fixed-wing bomber plane.

Additionally, ad-hoc resources are stationed at George Airport, and Still Bay, comprising of a bomber plane and helicopter respectively.

GRDM’s Mandate

Veld and mountain fires.
Chemical and hazardous materials incidents.
Support during major emergencies through Mutual Aid Agreements with all municipalities, including with PetroSA.

Within Kannaland, GRDM performs the full firefighting function, including:

Structural fires.
Motor vehicle incident response.
Hazardous materials.
Highly prevalent snake removal call-outs during summer.

The following fire safety measures are essential for residents, businesses, and visitors:

Protect homes and structures by maintaining a safe, clear, defendable space.
Fires can be reduced by reducing the burn of materials that are flammable, such as dry wood, biomass, and excessive debris.
Make sure firebreaks are properly maintained and compliant.
Immediately report illegal burning, smoke, or suspicious activity.
Local municipalities issue burning permits that must be strictly adhered to. From 1 December to 28 February 2026, controlled burns are not permitted.
Stay informed by following official alerts and communicating with the appropriate authorities.
Keep outdoor braai fires supervised, ensure they are fully extinguished, and use only designated braai areas.
Campsite and resort owners must enforce strict oversight of visitor braai fires.

For emergencies, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire station or the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.