Wildfires (also referred to as veld fires) are fires outside urban areas that have the potential to spread out of control. Most wildfires are started by people, while a smaller number are started by natural occurrences such as lightning.
Generally veld fires spread:
Faster uphill than downhill.
With the wind, rather than against it.
Faster where there is dead plant material.
Faster in fine fuels.
Faster where the vegetation canopy is intertwined.
Although wildfires can have devastating effects on people’s lives and property, they are also very important for local ecosystems. For example, the heat generated by fires help certain plant seeds to grow.
So, having a better understanding of veld fires can help you to be better prepared.
This national system classifies fire danger in five categories:
Insignificant (blue). The fire danger is so low that no precautions are needed.
Low (green). Fires, including prescribed burns, may be allowed in the open air on the condition that persons making fires take reasonable precautions against fires spreading.
Moderate (yellow). No fires are allowed in the open air, except those that are authorised by the Chief Fire Officer of the local fire service, and those in designated fireplaces. Authorised fires may include prescribed burns.
High (orange). No fires are allowed under any circumstances in the open air.
Extreme (red). No fires are allowed under any circumstances in the open air, and special emergency fire preparedness measures are necessary.
Prevention and fire strategy
Landowners, and especially hospitality and tourism businesses operating in an area where wildfires are common, should pay particular attention to the protection and safety of their guests and employees.
Any fire strategy should include the following components:
Awareness
It is estimated that as many as 90% of unwanted unnatural fires are caused by people. It is important to know where and when these dangers occur and where the danger areas are.
Prevention
Education and new management systems may be necessary to prevent fires.
Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.
Injured animals
If you come across any injured animals, or if you want to volunteer, you can call the Cape of Good Hope SPCA at 021 700 4159/8 or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Reporting fires
When reporting fires, please contact your Local District Municipality
City of Cape Town: 107 or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone
The Working on Fire programme (WoF), funded by the South African Government, is one of South Africa's most successful poverty alleviation, job creation and community upliftment initiatives.
Please visit their website for more information or follow follow WoF on Twitter for daily updates.