Wildfires in North West, South Africa
North West 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 North West, 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 Mahikeng. Other main centres include Rustenburg, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom and Brits.
Current fires in North West
Main towns
Mahikeng Rustenburg Klerksdorp Potchefstroom Brits
Neighbouring regions
Districts & metros
Bojanala Dr Kenneth Kaunda Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Ngaka Modiri Molema
Wildfire season in North West
Wildfires across North West 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 North West 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. North West groups 4 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 North West?
Which places in North West does the map cover?
Where does the North West wildfire data come from?
Is the North West fire map official?
⚠️ 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.