See the live fire map of South Africa

Wildfires in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa — the coastal belt, Cape fynbos and coastal grassland. This live map tracks every wildfire and satellite hotspot detected across Eastern Cape, updated continuously from NASA satellite data and official national fire sources. Wildfires here peak in the hot, dry summer — roughly November to April — with the fire-prone fynbos of the Western Cape most exposed. Its capital is Gqeberha. Other main centres include East London, Mthatha, Makhanda and Kariega.

Fire danger—
Active fires0
Wind2 km/h NW · gusts 7 km/h

Current fires in Eastern Cape

No significant fires are currently detected in Eastern Cape.

Main towns

Gqeberha East London Mthatha Makhanda Kariega

Neighbouring regions

Western Cape KwaZulu-Natal

Districts & metros

Alfred Nzo Amathole Buffalo City Cacadu Chris Hani Joe Gqabi Nelson Mandela Bay O.R.Tambo

Wildfire season in Eastern Cape

Wildfires across Eastern Cape peak in the hot, dry summer — roughly November to April — with the fire-prone fynbos of the Western Cape most exposed. 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 Eastern Cape 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. Eastern Cape groups 8 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 Eastern Cape?
Wildfires across Eastern Cape peak in the hot, dry summer — roughly November to April — with the fire-prone fynbos of the Western Cape most exposed.
Which places in Eastern Cape does the map cover?
It covers all of Eastern Cape, from Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha, Makhanda and Kariega — down to district level, so you can open any district for its local fire map.
Where does the Eastern Cape 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 Eastern Cape 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.