After a long and wet winter that caused vigorous vegetation growth across much of the province, a busy fire season is expected.
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The dense vegetation, combined with the hot, dry and windy summer weather, creates ideal conditions for wildfires.
In preparation for what is expected to be a busy fire season in the province, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell launched the provincial fire readiness initiative in Stellenbosch.
‘Looking back to the previous summer, a total of 7 215 wildfires were experienced. The provincial government authorised aerial support for 38 of these wildfires. Eighty-five percent of all fires in identified high-risk areas were contained during the initial attack phase, the majority within the first hour. The Western Cape Government invested R14.5 million in fire suppression during the previous fire season,’ said Bredell.
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He stated that the Western Cape Government had budgeted R16 million for wildfire response in the coming season.
‘We have aerial and ground support tenders in place. For this season, we have four helicopters on tender and access to another four if needed. We also have four bomber planes and eight spotter aircraft at our disposal.’
He stated that the previous winter’s extensive flooding damaged many roads that could be used to access remote areas. This complicated firefighting efforts. Although the aerial response strategy is very effective, it can only be effective if combined with effective ground support.
‘As such, I want to recognise and thank each member of the approximately 2 300 firefighters, both professional and those on contract, who will be available this season.’
‘You are the men and women who will be risking your health and lives doing this hard and dangerous work on the ground to keep us safe during this summer.’
According to Cape Nature, the Western Cape was one of the worst-affected veld fire areas in the country, with summer fires being a natural occurrence. Too many fires, on the other hand, may have a negative impact on biodiversity and ecosystem services such as water production.
It was stated that all fires start small, but in hot, dry, windy weather, a small fire can quickly become a threat to life and property.
‘The Western Cape fire season occurs during the hot, dry summer month, and both residents and visitors to the province need to be vigilant and careful when dealing with fires or any other burning material.’
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