The City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch, in partnership with various stakeholders, will conduct a series of ecological burns at selected nature reserves across the city between February and April 2025, Cape {town} Etc reports.
These controlled burns, which will be scheduled based on weather conditions, are essential for maintaining the health of local ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
What are ecological burns?
Ecological burns are a natural management tool that promote the growth and regeneration of vegetation. They help to maintain a healthy and diverse plant community, while also mitigating the threat of larger, more dangerous wildfires. By removing mature vegetation and its canopy, these burns allow sunlight to reach the ground, fostering seed germination and encouraging new growth.
‘Heat and smoke generated by fires also provide the critical stimulation which many of our unique fire-dependent plant species require to germinate,’ said Alderman Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment.
‘There are many short-lived species which complete their life cycles shortly after a fire event, these are known fire ephemerals. Many species, including most Erica species and the critically endangered Serruria aemula, store their seeds in the soil, which are stimulated to germinate by fire. Other species, such as Protea burchellii and Protea scolymocephala, store their seeds in cones on the plant. These seeds are released soon after the fire and can germinate in the open habitat with little competition.’
Planned ecological burn areas
The areas identified for this season’s ecological burns are spread across some of Cape Town’s most ecologically significant nature reserves. These areas include:
- Meadowridge Common Conservation Area – 1.5 ha northern block
- Muizenberg East Private Conservation Area – 3 ha
- Westlake Conservation Centre – 1.66 ha
- Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve – 8.12 ha
- Camphill Village Conservation Area – 6.1 ha
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Hill Section – 19 ha
- Camdebo Conservation Area – 2.92 ha
The importance of fire management
While fire is a necessary ecological process, it must be carefully managed to ensure long-term benefits. Too frequent fires can harm slow-growing species, leading to a reduction in seed production, while the absence of fire can result in bush encroachment and even the local extinction of species.
‘It is also imperative to ensure that there is a mosaic of different veld ages where possible. Another advantage of burning old vegetation is that it reduces fuel loads, which in turn reduces the risk of wildfires,’ explained Alderman Andrews.
Restoring ecosystems and protecting endangered species
Ecological burns also play a key role in habitat restoration, particularly for endangered species like the Ranger butterflies (Kedestes spp.), and in invasive plant management. When used as a first treatment for clearing invasive species, controlled burns help rejuvenate ecosystems and ensure the survival of native plants and wildlife.
Collaboration for success
These burns will be conducted by the Environmental Management Department (EMD) in collaboration with the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and other partners. The city remains committed to preserving its natural heritage while reducing the likelihood of wildfires in vulnerable areas.
For further details, contact the Biodiversity Management Branch at [email protected].
To report a wildfire, please contact the City’s Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
