The Fire Services, landowners and the communities are ready for this fire season in the Overberg.
So said Reinard Geldenhuys, Fire Protection Officer of the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association (goFPA) and the Overberg District Municipality’s Chief Fire Officer. The fire season officially started on 1 December for the Western Cape. “However, fires never listen and they’ve started prematurely this year,” Geldenhuys said.
Since November, the Overberg District has already experienced four large wildfires in Grabouw, Bot River, Hermanus and Villiersdorp.
He added: “While we don’t have a crystal ball we do get a lot of information from the SA Weather Service regarding long-term forecasts. We also look at veld age and other factors, and that gives us a good idea of what to expect.
“The information we’re getting now is that we are to expect below-average rainfall and above-average heat for the next two to three months. In fact, we’re already seeing a difference in veldfire behaviour in these early fires. As the veld dries even more, and with a little bit of wind added, we could be in for a busy fire season.”
The flood damage in mountainous areas will also have negative impacts. Many of the roads have washed away and it has been impossible to fix them before the fire season. This will make access to these fires challenging, especially in some of the high-risk areas.
Resources in place
Two helicopters and a spotter plane have already been stationed in Bredasdorp for the fire season. “With our resources and support facilities in place, we’ve done considerable preparation,” said Geldenhuys. “Our fire personnel are up to date with the latest training and information, and our vehicles and aerial resources are ready and in place. So from here we will do whatever we have to this fire season to keep the Overberg safe.”
Louise Wessels, Manager of the goFPA, advises that landowners speak to their insurers to check if everything is in place.
“You may wish to include ‘fire suppression insurance’ as well as ‘risk of spread insurance’. Chat to your insurance broker to understand the options and costs, prevent the spread of, and/or protect your property from, a wildfire.”
Early and accurate reporting is vital
According to Geldenhuys reporting a fire – smoke column or open flames – immediately and providing the Fire Services with accurate information is vital. “Having the correct information at hand allows us to dispatch needed resources and get them on scene as quickly as possible. When reporting a fire we ask that you provide us with an exact location (a pin drop works best) and the best-known route to the fire. Other information, such as what is burning, the immediate risks, how quickly it is spreading, how large the fire is and in what direction it is moving, helps us strategise while we’re still en route.”
The Overberg District Fire Services control room can be reached on 028 425 1690. The Overstrand Fire Service control room number is 028 312 2400. Finally, the goFPA duty phone number is 063 690 7899.