The AWS has been on the ground, safely evacuating a number of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies and providing animal-related emergency assistance in two separate fires that struck communities in Cape Town this week.
Cape Town, South Africa (10 November 2026) – Over the course of the last 24 hours, Cape Town’s heroic emergency responders have raced to save communities from two separate fires in Siqualo Settlement and adjacent, in Mitchell’s Plain.
In Siqalo, a fire had broken out behind the settlement, carrying flames to nearby homes. In Mitchell’s Plain, informal homes had caught alight with residents facing devastation.
Responders including the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue services have been on both scenes, alongside the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa’s (AWS) Disaster Response team that deployed to coordinate the safe evacuation of pets and animals in danger, and respond to any animal related emergencies on the ground.
Within hours, teams spread across both emergency response areas had rescued a number of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, getting them to safety and into temporary care while firefighters braved against the flames.
“Our priority is to help keep both people and their animals safe during this difficult situation.” the AWS said, after deploying to both sites.
The organisation says it is still monitoring both fire situations, and is ready to respond to further emergencies and assist with evacuations wherever needed. It also thanked firefighters for their service in protecting communities.
“A huge thank you to the incredible City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue services for their rapid response, dedication and hard work in containing the fire and protecting the community.” it wrote.
When flames put families at risk, the AWS are often some of the first responders on the ground. Just as firefighters stand the line to fight the flames, the organisation faces the blaze to rescue and evacuate beloved family pets and wildlife.
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Just weeks ago, the team raced to the Groenvlei Settlement in Philippi after a nearby business caught fire, sending flames spreading dangerously close to the community. In January, the Cape’s animal heroes were once again on the ground in separate instances in Masiphumelele and Pearly Beach where they rescued pets and wildlife caught in flames and provided medical attention and supplies to those in need. In October last year, when strong winds drove a fire near the Glen Clairn Expressway across vegetation and dangerously close to the suburb of Capri Village, they were there providing rescue response.
The organisation has received incredible recognition for its heroic efforts. Earlier this year in March, the AWS received two awards at the global LUXlife Pet Products and Services Awards for Most Progressive and Impactful Animal Welfare Organisation in the country, and it claimed the Community Outreach Excellence Award.
In its daily life-saving work with animals – which includes but is certainly not limited to responding to devastating fires that take foot in the city and surrounds – the AWS faces enormous demands on resources, from emergency medical care and transport to food, medication and essential supplies. If you’d like to support the organisation and the difference it makes, follow this link!
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