Wildfires take toll on already stretched Western Cape resources

THE high number of wildfires in the Western Cape are placing significant strain on firefighting resources with costs already exceeding R2.4 million, primarily to support ground crews in inaccessible and high-risk areas.

The figure is for provincial aerial firefighting resources based in George, Bredasdorp, Stellenbosch and Porterville, deployed at 23 wildfires, according to Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell. 

He also confirmed on Monday that provincial firefighting services were “extremely busy”, with several wildfires being managed simultaneously over recent days.

“As hot and windy conditions persist, I urge the public to be extra cautious and responsible with any activity that could start a fire. A single careless moment can place entire communities and our firefighters at risk. Please report fires immediately, follow safety instructions, and help us prevent further incidents during this dangerous period,” said Bredell.

He said while final figures were still being consolidated, early estimations show that several thousand hectares of agricultural, conservation and forestry land have been affected by wildfires so far this season.

“No serious injuries or fatalities have been reported to date. However, several properties have been affected and damaged by these uncontrolled wildfires,” he said. 

Meanwhile, affected provincial municipalities continued to make some gains in containing several fires.

The Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (FPA) said that although overnight rain brought much-needed relief to the Kleinriviersberg/Tesselaarsdal (mountain) veldfire, they were not "out of the woods yet".

“On Tesselaarsdal to Landskein (Sir Robert Sanford): The ground teams have made good progress overnight on this part of the line. The cooler weather assisted the ground teams. Landowners should continue with mop-up throughout the day.

“Quarry to Misty Mountains: This is the most active part of the line currently. The fire department will use vehicles as far as possible to contain and limit the spread of this line. Landowners are requested to assist as far as possible on this line,” the FPA said.

“The rule for the day is wherever there is smoke, put it out. Where landowners can create control lines on or near the perimeter of the fire, please do so. Control lines will also assist in limiting and containing any flare-ups later on.

“Wildegarden to Glen Oaks: The cool colder weather assisted and minimised the spread of fire on this line overnight. A Ground team is being deployed on this line to help secure it. Landowners should continue with mop-up throughout the day where they can get onto the lines.

“Glen Oaks to Tesselaarsdal: This line was worked on throughout the day (Sunday). With the predicted southern wind direction, this is a high-priority line. Ground teams will assist in limiting the spread and working towards containment of this line,” the FPA said.

Garden Route District Municipality had their hands full containing the wildfire in Aasvoëlberg, Albertinia. On Monday, the municipality’s fire chief, Deon Stoffels, said that they have turned their focus to hotspots.

“The Riversdale team is at the fire, monitoring and patrolling the fire area to see if there are no hotspots that need to be detected.”

He added that they are also attending to the Oudtshoorn fire, occurring adjacent to the Military Base.

“Garden Route District Municipality and Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire & Rescue Services are currently deployed. Military personnel are also on scene.”

With severe water restrictions currently in place across George and surrounding areas, the George Municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management Services was using smart, water-wise methods to fight grass and veld fires. 

“High-powered blowers are being deployed by trained fire crews to knock down flames by blowing heat away and separating fire from dry grass fuel. This technique is highly effective on fast-moving grass fires, fire edges and small flare-ups, often stopping fires in their tracks without using a single drop of water. Blowers are especially useful in hard-to-reach areas and during mop-up operations, helping crews contain fires quickly while conserving limited water supplies. This innovative approach allows the municipality to protect lives, property and the environment while using water responsibly during a critical period, said the municipality. 

SA Weather Services forecaster, Betty Makwakwa, said warm to hot temperatures can be expected over the Western Cape for the rest of the week.

“In terms of the weather forecast for Christmas and Boxing Day, cloudy to partly cloudy conditions can be expected over the southern parts, otherwise fine conditions in most parts.”

Cape Times