Skip to Content

Fire Danger Index (FDI)

Sunday, 13 September 2026

Kommetjie 25 Kirstenbosch 26 City Bowl 38 Cape Point 57 Llandudno Simon’s Town Scarborough Hout Bay Noordhoek Camps Bay Sea Point Muizenberg Fish Hoek Kommetjie

Weather Warning

YELLOW LEVEL 4 WARNING. A cut off pressure is expected to effect the Western Cape and Northern Cape resulting in scattered showers and thunderstorms ,with excessive lightning. rainfall accumulations of 25-50mm are expected over eastern Namakwa and Central Karoo (W.Cape) Districts reaching 60-80mm until Monday. this may lead to the displacement of effected communities, floodindin of settlements, low-lying and closure of some bridges and roads as well as some mountain passes( Meiringspoort )

Index Explained

The Fire Danger Index uses 5 categories to rate the fire danger represented by colour codes. Each of the danger rating is accompanied by a precaution statement.

  • Safe (0 – 20)

    Low fire hazard. Controlled burn operations can normally be executed with a reasonable degree of safety.

  • Moderate (21 – 45)

    Although controlled burning operations can be executed without crating a fire hazard, care must be taken when burning on exposed, dry slopes. Keep constant watch for unexpected wind speed and direction changes.

  • Dangerous (46 – 60)

    Controlled burning not recommended when fire danger index exceeds 45. Aircraft should be called in at early stages of a fire.

  • Very Dangerous (61 – 75)

    No controlled burning of any nature should take place. Careful note should be taken of any sign of smoke anywhere, especially on the upwind side of any plantation. Any fire should be attacked with maximum force at hand, including all aircraft at the time.

  • Extremely Dangerous (75 <)

    All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full standby. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.