Last Wednesday the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) displayed their readiness for the fire season with their Veld Fire Season Readiness Event, together with other role-players in the fight against fire.
District Mayor Elna von Schlicht told Paarl Post about the importance of highlighting awareness of the season. “Something as innocent as a braai left unchecked has previously led to costs of over R60 000 when it spiralled out of control,” she said.
In her opening address, Von Schlicht lauded the district fire department’s capabilities and expertise, describing its response as “world-class”.
“In the wake of the fire season, this is not necessarily a celebration in demonstrating our fitness, but a positive kick-off to one of our most fiercest challenges.”
The district showcased its preparedness and emphasised the importance of partnerships among state and private entities as the underlying philosophy that guarantees its success.
These partnerships include the Western Cape Government Fire Services, Henley Air, NCC Environmental Services, CapeNature, Winelands Fire Protection Association and Cape Winelands Communication Services.
“Unfortunately, only 5% of fires combated in the last few years were naturally caused, which means 95% of wild fires are caused by humans,” Von Schlicht continued.
One fire safety tip that stood out among the rest is that “the first hour of any fire is critical to respond and engage immediately to stop its rapid spread, especially during our searing summer season.”
The vision for the coming season focused on saving lives, livelihoods, properties and natural heritage.
First up, flexing the fire services’ fitness, was Lance de Villiers representing Henley Air, contracted by the district for the past three years as air support to combat fires.
“With fires, we leave nothing to chance,” he said. “That’s why we are prepared at every level within our control.”
De Villiers went on in detail about Henley Air’s base, located strategically midway between Tulbach and Wolseley, off the R46.
“We function in a controlled airspace to be ready for take-off to anywhere without worrying about any other air traffic,” he said. “As we leave nothing to chance, we have been self-sustainable with all our technical needs. We ensure sufficient back-up recourses and additional back-ups for our back-ups.
“If in need, we can deploy to offer assistance virtually immediately.”
Henley Air is geared with two trusted choppers dubbed Whisky and Tango, each equipped with a Bambi Bucket that delivers 1 200 F of water for a concentrated or widespread flush. This is accompanied by three Helicopter Support Vehicles, the biggest named Foxtrot, containing fuel and other support to airlift choppers for 13 hours on demand.
“However, our choppers are most effective thanks to the Ground Troops that receive water from above, and physically battle down below on the front lines,” De Villers said.
From this point NNC Environmental Services recruits and trains specialised ground forces to battle the front lines, says the organisation’s director, Justin Miller. Their services were deployed in 25 call-outs in the Drakenstein Valley in 2021-’22.
Miller boasted that the services’ standing was comparable to that of the developed world.
“During a tour to the USA we competed with its firefighters, and our troops outperformed theirs on many occasions. Often US teams took a step back in challenge, because of how badly us South Africans made them look!”
Next, the Director of Fire Services, Etienne du Toit said the Cape Winelands are the epicentre of fires that occur nationwide.
He said: “Contrary to what many believe, although only 5% of fires occur naturally we need to conduct more controlled burns to combat foreign vegetation. These are conducive to extreme wild mountain fire risks and deplete our available water resources as alien plant species.”
Du Toit emphasised the importance of plentiful planning that goes into a necessary integrated approach, to mitigate risks of fire in a hot, flammable environment.
“All partnerships in the Cape Winelands share a Mutual Aid Agreement with resources from across municipalities made available wherever it might be needed,” he added.
CapeNature’s Landscape Manager for Conservation Operations Martin Albertus said he is in awe of those in service of fire fighting across the district.
“Many a times I’ve been met with fire fighters after 24-hour shifts reporting back who still manage to crack smile on their faces. It takes incredible people to come back and gear-up again.”
He talked about CapeNature’s input in research and knowledge of the landscapes, natural vegetation and wildlife that all support the ecosystem. This, in turn shared for purpose of strategy and wildlife protection of endangered fauna and flora species among devastating damaging circumstances during the season.
Said Albertus: “We appreciate our partnership with the CWDM for also offering a platform for awareness, integrated efforts and planning for conservation operations. So that we may draft protective management plans that play well into fire fighting season.
“Thanks to such good governance, risk mitigation, partnerships and a shared agreement with the CWDM signed this year, we are thrilled to form a joint response to the challenges ahead.”
