CSIR Advanced Fire Information System now accessible without login
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites members of the media and the public to monitor active wildfire activity across the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa using the CSIR Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS). The active fire location layer is now publicly accessible and can be viewed without logging via the AFIS Map Viewer.
AFIS is a satellite-based fire information service that provides near real-time fire detection, updated at regular intervals – typically every 30 minutes as new satellite observations become available. Beyond showing “what is currently burning”, AFIS maintains a national historical fire record spanning more than two decades. This long-term archive is valuable for analysing wildfire trends, mapping recurring hotspots, strengthening risk models, supporting post-incident assessment and informing planning and decision-making by government, insurers, landowners and researchers.
AFIS also offers an alert capability, enabling users to receive timely notifications of active wildfires to support early awareness and faster response. In addition, the system includes the CSIR’s implementation of the Canadian Fire Weather Index and the Lowveld Fire Danger Index, supporting preparedness and operational decision-making.
The system strengthens wildfire risk mitigation efforts for fire protection associations, farmers, businesses and communities helping to protect lives, livelihoods, ecosystems and commercial assets.
Members of the media are advised that imagery from the maps or screenshots may be used free of charge, provided the CSIR is credited.
For enquiries contact:
Media enquiries:
Phetolo Phatsibi
Media practitioner
@email or 081 396 8871
About the CSIR:
The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
Follow us on social media:
X: @CSIR. Facebook: CSIRSouthAfrica. Instagram: CSIRSouthAfrica. LinkedIn: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). YouTube: CSIRNewMedia