YSTERPLAAT - The Western Cape has reported over 11,000 veld fires between November and February, with around 32,000 hectares destroyed.
With the fire season having started earlier this year, the Cape Winelands District has already experienced well over a hundred fires since October.
A new batch of firefighters graduated and stand ready to battle blazes that come their way.
They include members of the military, navy and air force.
Training was rigorous, but their hard work and dedication paid off.
The Cape Winelands Fire Chief says they are ready for the fire season.
"We are already busy with wildland fires and then it carries on till May," said Wayne Josias.
"Normally it concludes just after Easter when the big rains come, but now it's an extended season and that is why we need to be prepared.'
Having fought over a hundred fires with the help of aerial support and Cape Nature since October, Josias says you can never have enough firefighters.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.