BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA – Wildfire incidents in Eswatini declined from 1 018 in 2025 to approximately 580 during the 2026 winter season, highlighting progress in fire prevention while reinforcing the need to strengthen emergency response services and expand their reach to communities across the country.
The figures were highlighted by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Apollo Maphalala, during the third edition of the National Fire Day celebration held at Matsapha International Airport on October 19, 2026. The event was graced by Their Majesties and marked 51 years of service by the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service (ENFRES).
The reduction of 438 incidents reflects progress in fire prevention, supported by public education programmes and community involvement. However, Maphalala called for continued efforts to prevent fires and address challenges affecting emergency response times.
Held under the theme, “Advancing Fire Safety, Rescue and National Service in the Spirit of Agape Love,” the celebration emphasised the shared responsibility of Government, businesses, traditional leaders and communities in protecting lives and property.
One of the major challenges highlighted by Maphalala was the extensive geographical area covered by some fire stations, particularly in rural communities where long distances can delay emergency assistance.
He cited the Nhlangano Fire Station, which covers the entire Shiselweni Region, as an example of the pressure facing the service.
“This will mean that they sometimes arrive very late in some reported cases and find that the damage has already been done,” Maphalala said.
He appeared for the expansion of fire and emergency services across the country to ensure communities receive assistance on time.
“The true measure of our success is not only the number of fires we extinguish or emergencies we respond to, but also the lives we save, the disasters we prevent and the communities we protect,” he said.
Maphalala also reported progress in promoting women into managerial positions within the department, following His Majesty’s emphasis on advancing women into leadership during the second National Fire Day in 2025.
He said the promotions demonstrated the department’s commitment to recognising talent, providing equal opportunities and strengthening women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
The minister urged communities to remain vigilant against uncontrolled veld fires, which can destroy homes, grazing land, forests and agricultural produce, particularly during the dry winter season.
He called on traditional leaders, businesses, farmers, parents and community members to promote responsible fire practices, exercise caution when using open flames and report fires immediately to enable emergency teams to respond promptly.
Maphalala further stressed the importance of equipping ENFRES with adequate firefighting vehicles, tools and other essential resources to improve its operational capacity and ensure effective responses to emergencies.
The celebration recognised firefighters for their dedication to protecting the nation, including their work in road accident rescues, disaster response and public education on fire safety.
The decline in wildfire incidents offers encouragement, but sustained prevention efforts, adequate resources and wider emergency service coverage remain essential to protecting communities and ensuring that help reaches those in need without delay.
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