The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) is warning of a potentially longer and more demanding fire season after firefighters were called out to a large wildfire in Kogmanskloof outside Montagu on Tuesday afternoon.
The blaze, which started late in the afternoon, was brought under control after the CWDM had deployed a ground team and fire vehicles.
The timing of the fire had raised concern as wildfires in the region would normally only become more common towards the end of November.
Dr Elna von Schlicht, Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District, said the early fire could place additional pressure on firefighting resources, the agricultural sector and natural areas.
“This is particularly early for a wildfire,” she pointed out.
“Normally we start seeing fires in late November, peaking in high summer, from February through to mid-March. The fire experienced yesterday and early this morning shows us we can expect a much earlier onset. In turn this will add pressure on all our resources as an organisation, on the agricultural sector and those it employs. The biggest risk, however, is the risk to our natural spaces and the profound effect fires have on them.”
The CWDM’s Fire Services had already started looking at ways to increase resource deployment and improve the agility of ground teams and firefighting crews. Equipment was being checked and maintained to ensure it was ready for use, while contracts with external resources were also being secured.
The municipality urged landowners, farmers and owners of open land near golf courses, housing estates and informal settlements to prepare for the summer fire season. This includes proper clearing of alien vegetation, including small branches, off-cuts and tree stumps left behind after clearing operations. These materials can dry out and become fuel for wildfires.
Overgrown firebreaks should also be cleared, while fire hazards such as illegal waste and dry vegetation should be removed from areas close to buildings, stores and crops or orchards.
“In terms of legislation, the CWDM, as with all district municipalities, is mandated to fight wildfires and veldfires, and is responsible for their extinguishing. However, the management of land and protection of our natural resources falls to various role-players,” reads a statement by CWDM.
“CapeNature is the custodian of protected areas and trails; landowners are responsible for the fire protection of their property; while other organisations such as the Fire Protection Association and the Department of Forestry all hold a variety of responsibilities.”
The CWDM acts as a central point of contact, with the seasonal Fire Safety Plan bringing the relevant parties together to allow for resource sharing and better coordination.
Residents are reminded that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. In this context, the district municipality advises people not to make fires on days when temperatures exceed 35°C, even when braai facilities are available.
“If going hiking, biking or camping, always make sure your cellphone is charged and someone knows where you are going and when to expect your return.”
Anyone requiring a permit for an activity should also ensure it is obtained. Wildfires in the Cape Winelands District can be reported on 021 887 4446.
