Fire Season: Stay safe on Table Mountain
The hot summer months in Cape Town and surrounds bring with them warm, windy weather, which pose ideal conditions for wildfires. Therefore, it’s good to familiarise yourself with some tips for safe and responsible exploration in the area during this year’s fire season.
Wahida Parker, Managing Director for the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company says: “Our own team have been working long and hard to get everything ready for an exciting summer season for all our visitors. We thank our partners who have done incredible work to prepare the mountain for this period of the year and minimise the risk of fire.”
SANParks executed a successful prescribed burn below Tafelberg Road earlier this year – a key measure taken to protect the slopes of Table Mountain from uncontrolled wildfires. Ultimately, these burns remove any dry, flammable material, which makes future uncontrolled wildfires less likely.
Parker says: “We’ve all seen and experienced wildfires across the city over the years. Everyone remembers the devastating fire of 2021, but there have been several other examples that show dangerous and destructive a fire can be, and the damage it can cause especially when it becomes uncontrollable. We all have a duty to prevent fires from starting in the first place and to raise the alarm immediately if we see one starting.”
Tips to stay safe during fire season
Here are some suggestions on how you can explore the mountain responsibly and keep it (and yourself) safe:
Respect the rules
While social fires like those for braais are part of our cultural consciousness, we must make sure that we start these fires in places where it is allowed. Also, ensure that you are always in control of the flames. Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is very strict and clear about making fires on the mountainside. “Adherence is not optional; they are enforceable by law,” says Parker.
Keep an eye on the wind
Cape Town’s strong south easterly wind has many nicknames. Whether you refer to it as the South Easter or the Cape Doctor, one thing is for certain: It’s a wind that can be extremely strong and it can change direction swiftly.
The Cape Doctor’s erratic gusts pose a huge challenge for firefighters when they try to contain a wildfire. In strong winds, wildfires’ flames can jump across entire roadways, ultimately leading them to spread to other areas.
Parker suggests that you should avoid any areas that are close to where flamers are already burning, especially if there is a strong wind blowing, as it can make the fire spread quickly. “Allow firefighters the space they need to do their work and only approach the area once they have told you it is safe.”
Make noise
A flame can start very quickly and it can spread even faster. Hence, time is of essence to ensure that the fire does not get out of control.
Be safe and responsible when you are exploring outdoors this summer season. Be on the lookout for smoke and other signs of a fire that might be starting. Table Mountain National Park has a specialised hotline for fires, which can be contacted on 086 110 6417. If you’re travelling in the area, perhaps it’s a good idea to save this number on your phone. Alternatively, the City of Cape Town’s Regional Fire Control can be contacted on 021 590 1900, while the Newlands Fire Base can be reached on 021 689 7438.
More tips
In addition to the above tips, Cape Nature also has some suggestions on how you can help prevent fires from starting and spreading:
– Dispose of hot ash and coal used for heating and cooking safely. It should always be away from any flammable plant material and rubbish.
– Don’t leave open fires unattended. Instead, smother them with sand once you no longer need them.
– Ensure that there are no illegal electrical connections in or near your home. These connections can get hot and start a fire.
– Be safe and keep the area around your home clear of flammable materials like firewood, kindling and rubbish.
– If you spot someone playing with fire, matches or lighters in a careless manner, ask them to stop.
– If you need to burn rubbish, do so on cooler, windless days.
– Don’t flick cigarette butts out of your car window.
– Report wild fires immediately.
– Keep relevant emergency numbers (like the above) at hand to report any veld fires.
By working together and taking responsibility for our own safety, but also that of others, it is easier to protect and preserve Table Mountain and its beautiful surrounds.
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