Chief fire officer Wayne Josias of the Cape Winelands District and climate scientist Peter Johnston from the University of Cape Town spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the difficulty of containing intense fires in such areas.
According to Josias, mountainous terrains present significant obstacles for firefighters. “These areas offer their own challenges with regard to accessibility, difficult terrain, the impact on road users, and high fuel loads,” he says.
“Fires tend to move upwards against mountains, often burning into ecologically sensitive areas. These areas are difficult to access on foot, which may require ground teams to be airlifted by helicopter to higher points and work their way down the mountain to contain the fire,” he said.
Fuel loads and ecological sensitivity
Another challenge is the presence of large, hot fires fuelled by old vegetation or stands of eucalyptus and pine trees.
“These trees create fires that are difficult to manage due to the dry leaves and flammable debris on the ground,” Josias explained.
In the case of Mitchell’s Pass, the fire moved into a section of aged protea plants between two rivers. Fynbos is an eco-driven ecology, and maintenance burns every 12 to 15 years replace natural wildfires as a measure aiding fuel reduction.
Firefighters also face the added challenge of preventing fires from spreading to nearby farmland. “One of the tasks of fire services is to protect livelihoods and property, which is why efforts are always made to safeguard properties,” Josias said.
“Fire prevention is extremely important. Landowners, whether they own farms, guest houses, or weekend getaways, must maintain firebreaks and clear their property borders of flammable vegetation,” he said.
Weather conditions and firefighting efforts
Josias also mentioned how weather conditions, such as cooler temperatures, impact firefighting efforts.
“Cooler weather certainly helps the firefighters by making conditions more comfortable and reducing exhaustion. However, mist and rain complicate matters,” he explained.
The mist makes it difficult to see where the fire line is, and the rain creates slippery terrain, making it dangerous for firefighters to move around.
Johnston told Farmer’s Weekly about the role of vegetation in fire intensity. “Fynbos, especially in the mountains, burns fiercely because it’s very woody. Plants like Leucadendron and Leucospermum have a high fuel load, making fires in the mountain fynbos more intense than those in regular fynbos,” he says.
He further mentioned that the presence of alien vegetation, such as gum and acacia trees, exacerbates the problem. “These species have high sap and oil content, making them burn very efficiently,” Johnston said.
Preventative measures and public awareness
Johnston added that climate change was contributing to more frequent and intense wildfires. “Higher temperatures and increased wind are raising the risk of fires,” he said.
“When temperatures are high, the vegetation is drier and it’s easier for fires to start. The increase in the number of hot days makes the region more vulnerable to fires,” Johnston said.
Both experts stressed the importance of preventative measures such as controlled burns, firebreaks, and public awareness campaigns to reduce fire risks. “Information is key. Ninety percent of fires are started by humans. Patrolling areas to ensure people arent starting fires is crucial to preventing disasters,” Johnston said.
