CapeNature’s wildfire response teams working to control fires across protected areas in the Western Cape. Picture: File Picture
From April 2023 to March 2024, CapeNature responded to 89 wildfires across the Western Cape, burning roughly 73,671 hectares.
Notably, 22,762 hectares of this were on CapeNature-managed lands, where the organisation’s rapid response approach, known as the Large-Scale Rapid Initial Attack (LASRIA), helped contain nearly 54% of fires to less than 10 hectares and an additional 21% to under 100 hectares.
CapeNature attributes these results to its LASRIA protocol, a proactive response method relying on coordination with regional fire protection agencies, local authorities, and volunteer groups.
This rapid-response approach was crucial in minimising extensive damage and resource demands, explained Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.
"When the public alerts authorities quickly to smoke or fire, a response can be activated before it becomes a larger incident, saving money, time, infrastructure, and potentially even lives," he stated.
The challenge of wildfires is further elaborated by new research from wildfire scientist Daniel Boshoff, whose study in the Jàmbá - Journal of Disaster Risk Studies provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of fire regimes.
Boshoff’s framework highlights factors such as climate, fuel loads, and human influences as critical components in the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
According to Boshoff, the rising number of global wildfire incidents is tied to climate change and increasing human impact on the environment, as demonstrated by catastrophic fires in South Africa’s Garden Route, Canada, and Hawaii in 2023.
CapeNature operates with 12 formal agreements with local municipalities, fire protection associations, and environmental groups to mobilise resources swiftly. The role of the public has proven critical, with residents encouraged to report fires immediately to authorities by dialling 112 from a mobile or 10177 from a landline.
Dr Naidoo stressed that public vigilance is essential, especially during the warmer, drier months when fire risk is elevated. Between October 2023 and May 2024, 83 wildfires occurred, with only six during the winter months.
CapeNature’s data reveals that human activities were behind 55% of the fires during the 2023/24 season. Causes included negligent and intentional ignitions from braais, fireworks, and open fires, with another 12% resulting from mechanical causes like vehicle malfunctions, welding, and machinery use.
In a step toward prevention, CapeNature also advises residents to limit open fires, especially near roads and dry areas, and to use designated facilities for braais and campfires.
CapeNature’s mandate extends over 820,000 hectares of protected areas, most within the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.
"Understanding the behaviour, spread, and occurrence of fire is a complex endeavour, " Boshoff notes. His research proposes a multi-sphere approach, taking into account the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, with tools like remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) enhancing analysis and response strategies.
This region’s unique Fynbos ecosystem depends on fire for plant regeneration.
“While some Fynbos species rely on fire, the increased frequency threatens many of these plants by reducing the time needed for seed maturation,” CapeNature reported.
This dual approach of proactive fire suppression and community involvement echoes Boshoff’s call for adaptive management in an era of climate-induced fire risks. His research suggests that by addressing factors like soil moisture, local vegetation, and ignition sources, fire regimes can be better understood and managed.
IOL Environment