Drakenstein Municipality and Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW) have both cautioned residents about the risk of wildfires on the back of warm and dry weather patterns experienced in parts of the Western Cape over the past two weeks, causing vegetation to dry faster.
Though the municipality did not provide a specific date on which its fire season commences it said the fire season in Drakenstein related to an increase in bush and veld fires due to excessive vegetation growth in Spring, leading into the hot summer months.
Gerald Esau, the municipality’s Executive Director for Community Services, told Paarl Post during the fire season the municipality focused on fighting both structural and veld fires.
“The cause of these fires varies from irresponsible behaviour, negligence and arson, to electrical problems,” he said. “Since veld fires spread rapidly they pose a risk to people, livestock, farmland, properties, infrastructure and our area’s natural splendour.
“The municipality therefore calls on residents to make fires only in areas demarcated for this purpose.”
According to Esau, the municipality responded to 196 structural fire between January and September this year.
“To mitigate the risk of structural fires residents should make sure they clear their properties regularly from any combustible material that may cause a fire to spread more quickly. Do not overload electrical appliances and ensure all electrical connections are compliant with regulations and in good condition.
“Fires and cooking stoves should be monitored carefully and never left unattended. Residents must be prepared by always having a bucket of water and one of sand ready to put small fires out before they spread.”
In a statement DFW also made a similar call, saying that as the temperature rises and vegetation becomes drier the risk of wildfires increases significantly. The organisation urged residents to “create a defensible space” on their property.
“Clear any dry leaves, branches or debris from around your homes. Trim overgrown vegetation and maintain a safe distance between flammable materials and your property.
It stated residents should also report suspicious-looking activity.
“If you notice any suspicious behaviour or see something that could potentially lead to a fire please report it immediately, especially smoke in nature reserves. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
“Assemble an emergency kit with essentials, like a first-aid kit, water, a flashlight, and important documents. Have an evacuation plan ready for you and your family, including a designated meeting point, especially if you reside near the mountains.”
DFW recently finished a full refurbishment of an 8 000 litre 4×4 fire tanker, making it the third 4×4 tanker it owns.
It said this tanker is equipped with two strong pressure systems and was specifically given a large tank to ensure it has have enough water when responding to vegetation fires in mountainous areas.
All trucks and fire tankers are fully refurbished and upgraded by DFW’s volunteers and are stationed in Paarl.
