- In the wake of an “extremely busy” fire season and a concern for more wildfires in coming months, the Western Cape Government has increased its budget for wildfires from R16 million to R19 million.
- Since the start of fire season, 837 wildfires were reported to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, of which nine fires were classified as major wildfires and 10 376 ha of land burned.
- Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development, announced the boost to the wildfire budget as firefighters were battling a blaze above Boyes Drive last week.
In the wake of an “extremely busy” fire season and a concern for more wildfires in coming months, the Western Cape Government has increased its budget for wildfires from R16 million to R19 million.
According to the department, since the start of fire season, 837 wildfires were reported to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, of which nine fires were classified as major wildfires and 10 376 ha of land burned.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development, announced the boost to the wildfire budget as firefighters were battling a blaze above Boyes Drive last week.
“We have experienced an extremely busy fire season so far, and currently we are battling against fires on Boyes Drive in Muizenberg, and in Franschhoek. The Boyes Drive fire is extremely challenging due to high winds and inaccessible terrain.
“The likelihood of more wildfires in the coming months is a real concern for us,” said Bredell.
Bredell explained 97% of fires are caused either intentionally (25%) or through negligence (72%).
“Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than 3% of all wildfires. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires.”
Last week Boyes Drive, Old Boyes Drive and Clairvaux Road in Kalk Bay were closed to traffic as firefighters battled a fire on the mountain slopes above Boyes Drive.
The City’s Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said the incident was reported at around 11:30 on Wednesday 17 January.
“The swift reaction by firefighting crews ensured that the fire on the mountain slopes above Boyes Drive was contained,” said Carelse.
Six firefighting vehicles, 30 staff members and additional resources including three helicopters assisted in the operation.
Hours later, firefighter crews responded to a fire that broke out in the Redhill area.
“Three helicopters were deployed at 07:00 to water-bomb the area. No properties have been affected, and no injuries reported. Given the prevailing weather conditions, the fire and rescue service is on high alert for possible wildfires.
“We ask the public to please report any fires as soon as possible, so that resources can be dispatched.”
In a statement on Friday 19 January, Table Mountain National Parks (TMNP) said the majority of recent fires could be attributed to deliberate malicious intent.
“A concerning pattern has emerged with the majority of recent fires occurring in the southern section of the TMNP, namely in the Kalk Bay, Oceanview and Redhill areas as well as in the north of the park, in the Signal Hill and Pipe Track areas. Fires in these areas can pose a significant risk to communities living adjacent to the park, particularly with the hot temperatures and strong wind conditions currently being experienced.”
Between January 1 to 18, fire and rescue services responded to a notable increase of 22 fire incidents of which three are suspected to have been maliciously started.
Following investigations into the fires by Enviro Wildfire Pty Ltd – Western Cape, it is suspected that three major fires in Kalk Bay, Ocean View and Pinehaven were started with malicious intent.
“The fire above Boyes Drive in Kalk Bay, which started on 17 January burnt approximately 73 hectares of veld, and was contained at 21:45 with the collaborative efforts of over 115 firefighters, management staff, three Huey Helicopters, an AT 802 air tractor bomber, and a spotter plane.”
Meanwhile preliminary reports on a veldfire that started in Ocean View on 18 January suggest the use of dry cut alien vegetation, potentially ignited with a cigarette lighter.
In the third major fire incident between Pinehaven and Da Gama which spread towards Scarborough on 18 January, “indicators strongly suggest” that the Pinehaven fire was ignited with malicious intent.
“Efforts are underway to increase patrols in the south where many fires have occurred.”
Fires and illegal activity in TMNP can be reported to its emergency number on 086 110 021 or at Newlands fire base on 021 689 7438.
The City’s emergency communication centre can be contacted on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
