Happening Today| Fire Services Indaba

Bloemfontein, Free State| Minister Hlabisa addresses the National Minister Hlabisa has today told delegates at the 2026 National Fire Services Indaba that South Africa’s fire risk environment is intensifying and becoming more complex. Reflecting on one of the deadliest wildfire seasons which claimed 35 lives, burned nearly four million hectares and caused widespread infrastructure and livestock losses, the Minister warned that fire risk is not a seasonal inconvenience but a national resilience challenge. He said climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires globally, placing added pressure on municipalities and deepening social and economic trauma in affected communities.

Calling for a decisive shift from response to prevention, the Minister said the Indaba theme, Building Resilient Communities Through Collaborative Strategies for Fire Risk Reduction, signals a move toward risk reduction, early warning and better planning. He highlighted the Strategic Roadmap to 2030 developed through consultations led by the National Disaster Management Centre, which identified key gaps in municipal capacity, funding, equipment and enforcement of fire safety by-laws.

The Minister also welcomed the re-establishment of the Fire Brigade Services Board after 17 years and confirmed that new legislation is planned for 2026/27 to modernise the outdated 1987 Act, clarify roles across government and professionalise the sector. He emphasised the importance of integrating fire services into urban planning, investing in technology and data-driven risk analysis, and strengthening training and support for firefighters. Paying tribute to the bravery of fire personnel, he said building resilient communities must include protecting those who risk their lives to save others