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Unprecedented and devastating wildfires have swept across the globe since May 2023. This poses the question; how will South Africa navigate the challenges of the escalating wildfire catastrophes? writes Trevor Abrahams.
Unprecedented and devastating wildfires have swept across the globe since May 2023.
The sheer intensity of these infernos, with their tragic loss of life and decimated communities, has been shocking; yet, South Africa cannot remain a mere bystander in the face of this global crisis.
The question now emerges: How will South Africa navigate the challenges of the escalating wildfire catastrophes?
There are lessons to be learnt from elsewhere.
Canada, in particular, experienced an unparalleled fire season in 2023.
A stark graph depicting the escalating hectares burned in comparison to previous years – unequivocally reveals the harsh reality.
Canada witnessed a fourfold increase in hectares burnt, releasing a staggering 290 megatonnes of carbon into the atmosphere by the end of July 2023, contributing to 25% of the global total.
Cumulative area burned in Canada, annually.
Supplied Canadian Wildland Fire Information System
These fires prompted an unprecedented international response, with fire management personnel converging from around the world.
Firefighters from countries like the US, Australia, France, South Africa, and many others rallied to Canada’s aid, marking an extraordinary display of global solidarity.
This united effort foretells the collaboration needed to confront the escalating frequency and intensity of fires in the coming years.
Working on Fire (WoF), which falls within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, deployed 860 personnel to Canada in 2023, marking the largest-ever international deployment of South African firefighting resources.
This initiative, part of a wildfire management sharing agreement between South Africa and Canada, highlights the significance of international collaboration in addressing wildfire challenges.
READ | SA to deploy more firefighters to assist with Canada’s worst fire season in history
The magnitude of these fires is also mirrored by the heartbreaking loss of life within the firefighting community.
The stories of fallen heroes – such as a 19-year-old female firefighter in British Columbia, the two 25-year-old males in Northwest Territories and British Columbia, and a 41-year-old male helicopter pilot in Alberta – cast a pall over the 2023 fire season in Canada.
Entire towns have been evacuated, some repeatedly, as the relentless blaze engulfs communities and livelihoods.
The socioeconomic repercussions of these evacuations cannot be overstated, with estimated fire response costs in Canada roughly around 1 billion Canadian dollars.
Europe’s struggle with wildfires amid climate change
Europe shares a similar story – parts of the continent endured the second-worst wildfire season in 2022, and the first half of 2023 has shown similar trends.
Countries bordering the Mediterranean – like Italy, Algeria, Tunisia, and Greece – have suffered devastating fires, causing human casualties and widespread environmental and economic damage.
These events, along with meteorological experts’ warnings, show the severe consequences of climate change-induced wildfires.
In response to these escalating challenges, the European Union (EU) has heightened its firefighting efforts.
The establishment of a dedicated wildfire support team within the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), along with the expansion of firefighting air fleets, highlights the EU’s commitment to combating wildfires.
Prepositioning ground teams and fostering international cooperation have become integral parts of the EU’s strategy.
READ | ‘Like being inside an oven’: Extreme weather batters imprisoned people
South Africa’s wildfire reality
South Africa has not escaped the impact of climate change-induced wildfires.
Major disasters like the Harrismith (2014), Knysna (2017), Overberg (2018), UCT/Table Mountain (2021) and Kleinmond fires (2022) have demonstrated the increasing threat.
WoF has played a pivotal role in responding to these disasters.
Its integrated approach to fire management involves prevention, early detection, fire suppression, rehabilitation, and applied fire research.
As the impact of climate change becomes more pronounced, South Africa faces heightened risks of wildfires, exacerbated by factors like the El Niño phenomenon, which is associated with higher temperatures and drought.
Experts’ calls for preparation, adaptation, and mitigation must be heeded, as the threat of wildfires has far-reaching implications for agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety.
South Africa’s response should involve a coordinated effort, integrating public and private sectors, aerial firefighting resources, and community education.
The intertwining of climate change and wildfire risks demands swift action.
South Africa must recognise its vulnerability to this global crisis and proactively address the challenges through a comprehensive and united approach.
From prevention and early detection to effective suppression and rehabilitation, the roadmap to wildfire resilience involves collaboration, innovation, and the unwavering determination to safeguard lives, landscapes, and livelihoods.
– Trevor Abrahams is the managing director of Working on Fire.
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