South Africa
South Africa
See the live fire map of South Africa

Wildfires in Free State, South Africa

Free State is a province of South Africa — the interior plateau, the Karoo and the Highveld grassland. This live map tracks every wildfire and satellite hotspot detected across Free State, updated continuously from NASA satellite data and official national fire sources. Wildfires here peak in the dry winter and spring — roughly May to October — as the veld cures and berg winds drive runaway grass fires. Its capital is Bloemfontein. Other main centres include Welkom, Bethlehem, Kroonstad and Sasolburg.

Fire danger—
Active fires6
Wind1 km/h SE · gusts 5 km/h

Current fires in Free State

Main towns

Bloemfontein Welkom Bethlehem Kroonstad Sasolburg

Neighbouring regions

Northern Cape North West Gauteng

Districts & metros

Fezile Dabi Lejweleputswa Mangaung Thabo Mofutsanyane Xhariep

Wildfire season in Free State

Wildfires across Free State peak in the dry winter and spring — roughly May to October — as the veld cures and berg winds drive runaway grass fires. Higher temperatures, low humidity and wind make fires start and spread faster — check the fire-danger level before lighting any fire or working outdoors.

What the Free State fire map shows

Every fire on this page is an automatic heat detection from NASA satellites (VIIRS and MODIS), grouped into fire events and updated continuously; where official national sources publish data, it is shown alongside. Free State groups 5 districts & metros; open any of them for its local map. Satellite detections are not verified on the ground — never use them for safety decisions, and always follow the emergency services (call 10177).

Frequently asked questions

When is the wildfire season in Free State?
Wildfires across Free State peak in the dry winter and spring — roughly May to October — as the veld cures and berg winds drive runaway grass fires.
Which places in Free State does the map cover?
It covers all of Free State, from Bloemfontein, Welkom, Bethlehem, Kroonstad and Sasolburg — down to district level, so you can open any district for its local fire map.
Where does the Free State wildfire data come from?
From NASA FIRMS satellite hotspots (VIIRS and MODIS sensors) together with official national fire and fire-danger sources, updated continuously.
Is the Free State fire map official?
No. It republishes public satellite and official data and is not an emergency-warning service. In an emergency call 10177.

⚠️ The fires shown are automatic satellite heat detections from NASA FIRMS. They are not verified on the ground and are not 100% accurate — they can include false alarms (industrial heat, gas flares, sun glint) or miss small or cloud-covered fires. Do not use this map for safety decisions; always follow official emergency sources.

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