With spring now underway, residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to take a few minutes over the next two weeks to review their emergency plans, particularly for fires, and make sure they are prepared for the seasonal risks that may come with strengthening El Niño conditions.
The Spring 2026 Seasonal Hazard Profile highlights the potential for:
* Increased fire danger during hot, dry and windy conditions
* Strong winds that could affect homes, infrastructure and outdoor activities
* Above-normal temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illness
* Growing pressure on water resources as El Niño conditions strengthen
Be prepared
There are a few simple things everyone can do to prepare:
* Clear dry vegetation around your property.
* Use fire responsibly and never leave a fire unattended.
* Secure outdoor furniture and other loose objects before windy weather.
* Conserve water wherever possible.
* Stay informed by following weather warnings and municipal updates.
Help us reduce fire risks
Overstrand Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management is working with internal municipal departments, external organisations such as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and private landowners to address overgrown properties both inside and outside the urban edge.
Residents are encouraged to report overgrown erven through the Citizen App or by emailing firesafety@overstrand.gov.za so that the matter can be investigated.
Landowners who are still preparing their properties through proactive clearing are encouraged to complete planned burns sooner rather than later. Disaster Management will continue to monitor weather conditions, and the burn season will be reviewed during October 2026.
Overstrand Municipality, together with the Overberg District Municipality, will assess conditions and agree when all planned burns should stop in preparation for the summer season.
