Volunteer Wildfire Services

Volunteer Wildfire Services The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) assists in suppressive and prescribed fire efforts. VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers are just that – volunteers.
(225)

With approximately 300 members at our various stations (Newlands, South Peninsula (Noordhoek, Stellenbosch/Helderberg), the VWS has assisted the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Nature and Overbery District Municipality with some of the wildest fires the Western Cape has ever experienced. Baptised by fire through the devastating fires in Cape Town during the year 2000, the VWS is now a highly or

ganised Section 21 Company that continues to grow in reputation and stature. We work closely with other emergency service organisations in wild-land fire management such as Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town Fire & Emergency Services, CapeNature, Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management, Overberg District Municipality, Winelands Fire Brigade, City of Cape Town Biodiversity and various contract crews. WHAT WE DO
The VWS has three primary functions:
1: Wildfire suppression services
2: Wildfire suppression and management training
3: Prescribed burning (with partner organisations)

We also do various smaller activities such as awareness, schools visits and fundraising events - a vital part of staying operational. HOW WE OPERATE
On standby to respond to fires and emergencies 24 hours a day for 365 days of the year – that’s how we work. They are extraordinary people who give of their time and energy to protect lives, property and our natural heritage. Most have day jobs, some are students, others run their own companies – but all are dedicated, motivated and highly-trained to ensure that our ultimate goal of wildfire suppression is taken care of. FUNDING
The VWS receives funding from corporate and organisational partners and individual donors, as well as initiating our own fundraising projects. This funding allows us to operate and manage ourselves independently. We are always on the lookout for additional funding that will allow us to further serve the community.

16/08/2026

Behind the Smoke: Kloofcorner Nek Fire 2.08.26

Sometimes training ends when the exercise does. Sometimes the call comes before you’ve even packed up.

On Sunday, 2 August, VWS crews were taking part in a planned winter training exercise at Kloof Nek when they were called to assist with a vegetation fire at nearby Kloof Corner.

Within moments, training became an operational response. Our newest recruits were safely moved out of the area, while active crew members transitioned from practising their skills to putting them to work on the fireline.

It was an unusual winter call-out, but an important reminder of why we train year-round. Wildfire risk is becoming less predictable, fire seasons are stretching beyond the months we traditionally associate with them, and readiness can no longer be seasonal.

For VWS, being ready means more than having trained volunteers. It means vehicles checked, equipment maintained, PPE available, crews prepared and the operational support in place to deploy safely when we are called upon.

We are incredibly proud of the volunteers who give their time throughout the year to train, prepare and respond alongside our partner agencies across the Western Cape.

We can only do it with the support of our community.

Every donation helps keep our volunteers trained, equipped and ready for the next call. 🔥

Support VWS: vws.org.za
🎥 Video: Jon Meinking

KloofNek TableMountain CapeTown Firefighting VolunteerFirefighters WildfireReady

This Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women of Volunteer Wildfire Services. 🔥💛From the fireline to control, disp...
09/08/2026

This Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women of Volunteer Wildfire Services. 🔥💛

From the fireline to control, dispatch, logistics, planning, training and behind-the-scenes support, women play a vital role in every part of VWS.

They lead, teach, support, make tough calls, carry heavy loads and show up when it matters most.

Today, we recognise the women who serve alongside us, the women who have paved the way, and those still to come.

Happy Women’s Day to all the remarkable women in VWS, and across South Africa. 🇿🇦🔥

Crews Responding: 🔥 Kloofnek Corner Fire 🔥The Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Team has dispatched ground fi...
02/08/2026

Crews Responding: 🔥 Kloofnek Corner Fire 🔥

The Table Mountain National Park Fire Management Team has dispatched ground firefighting crews to a fire above Kloofnek Corner. The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, together with three Volunteer Wildfire Services crews, is assisting with fire suppression efforts.

As a precaution, the Contour Path and surrounding trails between Kloofnek and the Lower Cableway Station are advised to be closed until further notice.

Visitors are urged to avoid Tafelberg Road.

More information can be found on the Table Mountain National Park page.

VWS Is Hiring: Executive DirectorFor more than 25 years VWS has brought together trained volunteers to protect lives, pr...
02/07/2026

VWS Is Hiring: Executive Director

For more than 25 years VWS has brought together trained volunteers to protect lives, property, and landscapes from wildfire across the Western Cape. We’re now looking for a senior leader to help strengthen the organisation behind that work and guide VWS into its next phase. The Executive Director will work with the board, management team, volunteers, and partners to build the systems, funding, partnerships, and organisational capacity that keep VWS effective both on and off the fireline.

Know someone who could be a strong fit? Please tag them or share this post!

📍 Cape Town, Western Cape 💼 Full-time, permanent 📩 Send a CV and one-page cover letter to [email protected] by Thursday, 16 July 2026 📋 Full job description: www.vws.org.za/careers (Link in Bio)

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the VWS Father’s Day Quiz Night Fundraiser at Café Roux.From the full tab...
29/06/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the VWS Father’s Day Quiz Night Fundraiser at Café Roux.

From the full tables and big laughs to the prize winners, quiz teams, music and generous support, it was such a special evening with our VWS community. Every ticket bought, prize donated and glass raised helps keep our volunteers equipped, trained and ready to answer the call when the mountain needs us.

A special thank you to Café Roux for hosting us, to Michael Bagley for the live music, and to every supplier, donor and supporter who helped make the night possible.
Thank you to:
café Roux
The Pods
Blue Door Coffee Roasters
Boulders Beach Hotel
Cathy Steed Events & Communication
Ceres Rail Company
The Chef’s Studio | Cooking Experience CT
Choir
Diesel & Dust Premium Beer
Front Runner Dometic ZA
The Foodbarn Café & Tapas
Neil & Gary
Jack Black Brewing Co.
Jakes Restaurants
Kraal Kombuis
New Cape Central Railway
Tracy Pomeroy-Ward
Pepper Tree Luxury Bath & Body
Robertson Winery
Sealand
The Shed
South Beer
Table Mountain Cableway
Winhall & de Stadler Jewellers
ZAC+GRAY
Photo credit: Charlene Vrey

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandads and father figures in the VWS family.Today we’re celebrating the men who show u...
21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandads and father figures in the VWS family.

Today we’re celebrating the men who show up with steady hands, big hearts and a whole lot of care, whether that’s at home, at base, or out on the fireline.

At VWS, we’re also lucky to have the fireline father figures. The ones who take newer volunteers under their wing, share what they’ve learnt, check in after a tough day, and somehow always know when someone needs a bit of guidance, encouragement, or a laugh.

To every dad balancing family life with volunteering, and to every mentor who helps make this organisation what it is, thank you. For the time you give, the example you set, and the way you look after the people around you, we’re grateful.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at VWS. ❤️💛

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandads and father figures in the VWS family.Today we’re celebrating the men who show u...
21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day to the dads, grandads and father figures in the VWS family.

Today we’re celebrating the men who show up with steady hands, generous hearts and a quiet kind of strength, whether that’s at home, at base, or on the fireline.

At VWS, fatherhood is also found in the fireline father figures. The ones who take less experienced volunteers under their wing, share hard-earned lessons, check in when things are tough, and lead with patience, humour and care. The ones who make a crew feel a little more like family.

To every dad balancing family life with volunteering, and to every mentor who has helped shape the people around them, thank you. We’re grateful for the example you set, both in and out of yellow.

Happy Father’s Day. ❤️💛

Training season is in full swing.Across VWS, our volunteers are hard at work sharpening their skills, building confidenc...
19/06/2026

Training season is in full swing.
Across VWS, our volunteers are hard at work sharpening their skills, building confidence, and preparing for the season ahead. For some, that means getting back to the basics and refreshing the fundamentals. For our new recruits, it means learning the skills, discipline, and teamwork needed to operate safely and effectively in a wildfire environment.
But wildfire response is about more than the crews and drivers on the line.
Our dispatchers, planners, control team, and logistical support teams are also training, because every successful response relies on strong coordination, clear communication, and people working together behind the scenes.
Training season is where readiness is built, and where safety awareness becomes second nature.

🔥🧠 VWS FATHER’S DAY QUIZ NIGHT 🧠🔥Think your team has what it takes to handle the heat, know the answer to those burning ...
26/05/2026

🔥🧠 VWS FATHER’S DAY QUIZ NIGHT 🧠🔥

Think your team has what it takes to handle the heat, know the answer to those burning questions?

Gather your crew, bring your old man too!

Get ready to flex those brain muscles for a great cause at the Café Roux VWS Quiz Night!

📍 Café Roux
📅 Sunday, 21 June
🎉 Father’s Day Special Event

🔥 Expect:
•⁠ ⁠Great team prizes & spot prizes up for grabs
•⁠ ⁠Dad Jokes
•⁠ ⁠A fun raffle on the night
•⁠ ⁠Plenty of laughs and competitive spirit
•⁠ ⁠A chance to do good while enjoying time with friends & family
🎤 Live Mississippi Delta Blues music

Whether you’re a quiz master, a braai expert, or just there for the gees — gather your team and join us for an unforgettable Father’s Day evening.

Book your table before they’re gone. Link in bio 🔗

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/376089-vws-fathers-day-quiz-night-caf-roux/ #/

One mountain. One goal. Supporting great causes through an incredible community effort.Volunteer Wildfire Services is pr...
12/05/2026

One mountain. One goal. Supporting great causes through an incredible community effort.

Volunteer Wildfire Services is proud to be one of four beneficiaries of the 2026 Cableway Charity Challenge. Seven dedicated volunteers took on the climb up Table Mountain, while another sixteen volunteers gave their time to marshal and support the event throughout the day.

South Peninsula Station Manager James Culyer suited up and headed up Platteklip Gorge at 5pm as sweep. By then, the weather was closing in and temperatures at the summit had dropped to a chilly 5°C — but James still completed the climb in his fastest time yet.

A huge congratulations to all seven climbers on an outstanding achievement, and thank you to every volunteer who helped make the day such a success. Your commitment, teamwork, and spirit continue to make VWS proud.

Donations remain open until the end of the week - link in bio!

Laps completed -
Nicolas Miehe - 6; Sybrand Strauss, Michael Jones & Clint Jacobs - 5; Petra De Koker - 4; Matthew Williams & Nick Martin - 3; Jessica Gilmore for team Holm Green - 2.

Address

Union Avenue, Newlands
Cape Town
7700

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