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Enhancing Early Warning Systems for Fire: The Role of Local Actors in Disaster Preparedness in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Norrestam, Hanna LU and Krausche, Wilma LU (2025) VRSM01 20251
Division of Risk Management and Societal Safety
Risk Management and Safety Engineering (M.Sc.Eng.)
Abstract
This report explores the role of local actors in enhancing early warning systems (EWS) for fires in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Veld and urban fires present significant risks to communities and infrastructure, especially in rural and informal urban areas. The study focuses on (1) understanding how local actors such as fire services and Fire Protection Associations contribute to the design and enhancement of early warning systems for fires and (2) what preparedness measures are needed for the actors to be able to act efficiently to warnings. By examining their needs for timely and accurate information, the research highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration among involved actors.
Key findings... (More)
This report explores the role of local actors in enhancing early warning systems (EWS) for fires in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Veld and urban fires present significant risks to communities and infrastructure, especially in rural and informal urban areas. The study focuses on (1) understanding how local actors such as fire services and Fire Protection Associations contribute to the design and enhancement of early warning systems for fires and (2) what preparedness measures are needed for the actors to be able to act efficiently to warnings. By examining their needs for timely and accurate information, the research highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration among involved actors.
Key findings highlight the importance of clearer role definitions, better communication and more inclusive collaboration. There is a need for more accurate and region-specific fire warnings, improved resources and ongoing training for actors at all levels. The study also emphasises that while significant strides have been made toward proactive disaster management, funding and structural barriers continue to hinder the full effectiveness of these efforts. The results suggest that strengthening local response capabilities, involving more stakeholders in the design of EWS, and addressing resource gaps are crucial steps in enhancing disaster management in the region. (Less)
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author
Norrestam, Hanna LU and Krausche, Wilma LU
supervisor
organization
course
VRSM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Early Warning Systems, Veld Fire, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Management, Response Capabilities, South Africa, Eastern Cape Province
language
English
id
9209147
date added to LUP
2025-07-28 08:23:46
date last changed
2025-07-28 08:23:46
@misc{9209147,
  abstract     = {{This report explores the role of local actors in enhancing early warning systems (EWS) for fires in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Veld and urban fires present significant risks to communities and infrastructure, especially in rural and informal urban areas. The study focuses on (1) understanding how local actors such as fire services and Fire Protection Associations contribute to the design and enhancement of early warning systems for fires and (2) what preparedness measures are needed for the actors to be able to act efficiently to warnings. By examining their needs for timely and accurate information, the research highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration among involved actors.
Key findings highlight the importance of clearer role definitions, better communication and more inclusive collaboration. There is a need for more accurate and region-specific fire warnings, improved resources and ongoing training for actors at all levels. The study also emphasises that while significant strides have been made toward proactive disaster management, funding and structural barriers continue to hinder the full effectiveness of these efforts. The results suggest that strengthening local response capabilities, involving more stakeholders in the design of EWS, and addressing resource gaps are crucial steps in enhancing disaster management in the region.}},
  author       = {{Norrestam, Hanna and Krausche, Wilma}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Enhancing Early Warning Systems for Fire: The Role of Local Actors in Disaster Preparedness in the Eastern Cape, South Africa}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}