After 10 months and 1 435 fires, the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services team looked back on the fire season during a post-fire session.
Partners, role-players and service providers, including Leading Edge (aerial resources), CapeNature, the Western Cape Government, Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), CWDM Fire Services and its communications unit, gathered to share statistics, highlights, challenges, and lessons learned from the 2023-’24 fire season on Friday 31 May.
Between 1 July 2023 to 30 April 2024 more than 1 400 fires were reported to the CWDM control room. Most veldfire ignitions occurred within the boundaries of Stellenbosch and Drakenstein, accounting for 69% of all calls. The peak of veldfires accord from October 2023 to April.
During the most demanding period, between 22 January and 15 February, the district suffered multiple major fires simultaneously. These included the massive Kluitjieskraal and Brandvlei fires.
The municipality found extreme-weather conditions, high temperatures and strong winds, combined with the excessive fuel load provided by aged natural and alien vegetation, made suppression operations exceptionally challenging.
Collaboration among inter-agency partners and role-players was crucial in effectively managing the high number of fire incidents.
“By pooling our resources and efforts in a coordinated manner, we were able to deal with fire incidents effectively and efficiently and achieve our goals of saving lives, property, the environment, and livelihoods,” explained Wayne Josias, CWDM fire chief.
Despite property damage to vineyards, orchards, water infrastructure and fences, there were no civilian or firefighter casualties.
“From the firefighters, operational and administrative, the ground teams to the pilots, all displayed tremendous dedication, commitment and skill during this past season,” Executive mayor Elna von Schlicht added: “Were it not for exceptional work the Cape Winelands would have experienced far greater damage and loss of property and possibly lives.”
In the transition from fire season to the post-season period CapeNature and CWDM Fire Services will focus on understanding veld biodiversity and the impact of climate change on the local ecosystem. The Winelands Fire Protection Agency (FPA) will assist landowners in maintaining fire breaks, reducing excessive fuel loads around structures and clearing vegetation.
Although winter has arrived the team urged that vigilance remains essential due to the predicted dry weather.
- If you encounter a veldfire in the district, report it on 021 887 4446.
