Seeing a steady increase in vegetation fires over the past few years, the City of Cape Town is appealing to residents along the urban edge to ensure adequate buffer zones around their properties as fire season commences, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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According to stats from the City’s Fire and Rescue Services, 5 331 vegetation fires were recorded between October 2021 and January 2022
During the same period in 2023/23, this number increased to 7 190 – representing a 35% increase and indicating a significant need for precautionary measures.
‘The past summer, in particular, was a massive drain on resources, particularly in the south peninsula. I think the City’s playbook for vegetation fires is quite well established, and we are constantly looking to see how we can expand on those resources and existing plans. But it’s important to acknowledge that the public has a role to play.’ says City’s MMC for Safety and Security JP Smith.
‘Living on the urban edge comes with great responsibility, and property owners must ensure that their properties are safeguarded in the event of fire. That responsibility also extends to ensuring that they aren’t responsible for starting a fire.’
In addition to ensuring that fire breaks comply with the National Veld and Forest Act 101 of 1998, the City offers urban edge residents the following guidelines for extending the buffer zone around their homes:
- Managing fuel loads by controlling invasive alien plants and trees in their fire break, but also on their property
- Clearing dry leaves, weeds and pine needles from roofs and gutters
- Removing dead branches hanging over roofs and keeping branches at least three metres away from chimneys
- Trimming trees regularly and keeping grass short
- Keeping patio furniture, firewood etc away from vegetation
- Removing vegetation or other materials that could catch fire from underneath or around decks
- Ensuring fire hydrants are accessible at all times in the event of a fire
In the event of a fire, the City advises residents to do the following:
- Close windows to mitigate the risk of smoke or embers entering the home
- Damp down their garden if there is an immediate threat to their property
- Abide by any evacuation instructions from emergency personnel
Residents are also urged to always keep a ‘go’ bag ready and have alternative sheltering arrangements for their pets in place for when evacuation is necessary.
Items to consider for a ‘go’ bag include:
- Prescription medication and spectacles
- Important documentation
- Cellphone and charger
- Change of clothing
- Personal hygiene items
- Instant formula if there are young children in the home
While living on urban edges calls for extra precautions during fire seasons, Smith adds that all residents should be on high alert.
‘To the public in general, I want to ask that you report any signs of fire, no matter how big or small. Don’t assume that someone else has made the call,’ urges Smith.
‘Also, if it is very windy or hot, don’t make fires in areas where it is clearly prohibited or work with flammable materials. Fire prevention is the ultimate goal, and it starts with all of us.’
Residents can report any fire-related incidents by contacting the City’s emergency call centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook