Another new year in the Winelands means another searing hot summer fire season.

The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) has therefore provided feedback on its Fire Service responses and use of resources at the heart of the season.

“The CWDM’s Fire Services is fully equipped, resourced and trained to manage fires that occur on wild- or agricultural land, ie bush, rubbish or grassland and hazardous substances,” says the District’s Deputy Director of Communication, Jo-Anne Otto, said.

She adds that the municipality manages all fires that occur out of towns while also managing all those that occur in them. However, she assures, all fire services will assist one another when requested and able to do so.

“In an average year, CWDM’s Fire Services, which have bases in each major town of the district, responds to around 1 300 fires. Most of these occur in the summer.”

Fire season so far

During the period 1 November 2022-9 January 2023, CWDM Fire Services has responded to 478 fires, of which 110 were situated in the Drakenstein Valley.

“So, over 70 days six fires per day were attended to,” Otto pointed out.

Although it is difficult to give exact figures of resources used she estimated that from 1 November to 27 December 2022, R1,9 million was spent on air resources alone.

“This includes a further R271 000 on ground teams, but these estimates exclude the district’s operational costs such as fuel, maintenance of equipment and so on.

“The fire season runs from 1 November to 30 April, however traditionally the busiest time is February/March.”

Human activity cause concern

Otto highlights that, according to CapeNature, 95% of fires are caused by humans, most of them accidental.

“In general, the CWDM will investigate the cause of a fire if requested by the landowner or if arson is suspected.”

Cape Winelands Executive Mayor Elna von Schlicht explained: “Many of the public spaces or camp sites in the Cape Winelands District, such as Bains Kloof or the areas along the Berg River, border on wildland or veld. This makes them more vulnerable to fires.”

She emphasised that sometimes even the evening breeze, which offers much relief from the day’s heat, is just enough to re-ignite the coals left by a group of people who had spent the day braaing and socialising there.

“Although the fire looked as if it had completely died out, and the group made use of dedicated braai facilities, the evening breeze may be just enough to fan the leftover coals and cause sparks to land on nearby brush, causing a fire.

“This is why we are urging people who are planning to spend the day in one of our many beautiful venues across the Cape Winelands District on hot days, pack a picnic rather than braai, even when braai facilities are available.”

It is of the utmost importance to every Bolander to always extinguish a braai fire thoroughly, even when braaing at home.

Sharing fire season awareness

In attempts to spark awareness to the looming threats of a nice braai on a hot day the CWDM’s awareness campaigns seek to suggest alternative recreation during the Wineland’s heat waves.

On Friday 6 January, the Cape Winelands District Municipality, on its Facebook page, shared its campaign #WaarBraaiJy as its Fire Services braced itself for expected call-outs.

The post read: “Please note the weather before deciding whether to braai or not. Picnics are cooler and safer than braaing on a high fire-index day.

“When the temperature is higher than 35ºC veld fires are more likely to occur.”

Follow the Cape Winelands DM Facebook page to stay on top of alerts and fire updates. It also urges residents who are spending time outdoors – hiking, biking or camping – to plan for a picnic rather than a braai.

“Picnics and campsites are often situated next to veld and natural land areas, in which a single spark can cause a runaway fire that can destroy homes and habitats.”

Share your favourite outdoor activities in support of raising awareness by posting your hike, camping or picnic pictures by using #NoBraaiWeekend or #TooHotToBraai.