The City of Cape Town is set to conduct a significant ecological burn at the Pelican Park section of the False Bay Nature Reserve.
Scheduled for Tuesday, 24 March 2026, weather permitting, this initiative is designed to foster biodiversity by managing the natural vegetation and reducing fire risks in the area.
The planned burn will span approximately 10 hectares of land, situated well within the reserve and distanced from nearby residential areas. This carefully chosen location comprises dune ridges and troughs populated with Endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation—a habitat essential to the region’s ecosystem.
The burn aims to eliminate aged and decaying vegetation, thus encouraging fresh growth while simultaneously decreasing fuel loads that could lead to more significant wildfires.
‘Residents can be assured that the burn permit for this ecological intervention has been successfully obtained from both the City of Cape Town’s Air Quality Management and Fire and Rescue Services Department. If all goes as planned and the weather conditions are favourable, the burn will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. Should conditions shift, alternative dates from 25 to 26 March will be considered,’ explained Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment.
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The city’s meticulous approach to safety includes a fully operational team of qualified firefighters from the Biodiversity Management Branch, supported by necessary firefighting vehicles and equipment.
‘All measures will be implemented to ensure the burns are conducted safely and responsibly,’ added Andrews.
Residents in the Pelican Park area are encouraged to take precautions during the burn. Keeping windows and doors closed while the operation is underway will help prevent smoke from entering their homes, ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
As nature enthusiasts and residents watch closely, the upcoming burn marks an important step towards promoting a healthy, vibrant ecosystem in one of Cape Town’s treasured reserves.
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Picture: Ziyaad Douglas / Gallo Images
Source: City of Cape Town
