We’re ready for a busy 2023/24 fire season. And we know you are too.

Here’s what you should know, now that we’re in the fire season:

In the Overberg:

• Operational vehicles and fire services personnel are on season standby.
• Working on Fire teams are also on standby and additional teams from NCC Environmental Services and Enviro Wildfire Services can be brought in if needed, with multiple resources from Volunteer Wildfire Services available.
• 24h Fire Control room number: 028 425 1690 

In the Overstrand:

• Operational vehicles are on standby.
• Working on Fire teams are also on standby and additional teams from NCC Environmental Services and Enviro Wildfire Services can be brought in if needed, with multiple resources from Volunteer Wildfire Services available.
• The Overberg District Municipality and the Overstrand Municipality assist each other with resources as and when required.
• 24h Fire Control room number: 028 312 2400  

Aerial Resources:

A helicopter and spotter plane are based at Bredasdorp from the beginning of December to end April. The aircraft could be used in the rapid initial attack. Additional resources can be contracted.

• Aerial resources can only be activated via the Fire Chief and/or his authorised Incident Commander. 

• Should you want the aerial assistance form, please email Keith: info@overbergfpa.co.za. It’s best to keep a copy of the form on hand during fire season in case you urgently need aerial assistance. 

• REMEMBER: Landowners MUST telephonically confirm the request for aerial assistance, before the service provider will activate the service. No aerial resources will be sent without your verbal confirmation.

Aerial support – What you must do:

Contact Keith should you need the aerial assistance request form. This form should be completed in advance.

Ensure your insurance is in place (you may wish to include ‘fire suppression insurance’ as well as ‘risk of spread insurance’). Chat to your insurance broker, to understand the options and costs, to prevent the spread and/or to protect your property from a wildfire.

You MUST give written permission BEFORE we send aerial support.

Mop-up operations – Your responsibility:

Once the fire has been extinguished, landowners are responsible for the mop-up operations on their properties. The first 24-72 hours are crucial to ensure fires don’t flare up again.

Landowner – are you going away?

• Have a responsible representative present on, or nearby your farm throughout the festive season. If you aren’t home, please make sure the person responsible is present, and in regular contact with you.
• Also let your neighbours know if you’re not at home, and give them the contact details of the person who is manning your property while you’re away.
• NOTE: The emphasis is on the first hour. We put all our resources into putting the fire out in the first hour. Thereafter we determine the best strategy, based on the fire’s location and immediate threats.
• Should a fire start on your property, or threaten your farm, please get in touch with the fire department IMMEDIATELY. For the Overstrand, phone: 028 312 2400; or the rest of the Overberg: 028 425 1690. Quick action is vital this year.

Be sure to check your high-risk areas

1. Is it safe around your and you personnel’s houses?
2. Are your contractors aware of their responsibilities:
   1. Not to make fires
   2. Reporting fires immediately
   3. Training and equipment
   4. No activity on Red FDI days

Check your equipment

There is nothing worse than arriving at a fire, only to have your equipment fail you. 

1. Make sure that your skid units / fire fighters / bakkie sakkies have been serviced. 
2. Check that it starts, and that the starter rope is in good condition. 
3. Replace or mend any leaking hoses, fittings and nozzles.
4. Check that your hand tools are still in working condition. If your fire beaters are “curled” then they are due for replacement.

Check your protective clothing

Everyone at a wildfire needs to have adequate protective clothing. Here’s what you need: 

1. Leather boots
2. Overalls, safety wear, jeans, or any clothes that are 100% cotton.
3. Leather gloves
4. Goggles and balaclava
5. A bottle of drinking water
6. A torch

Check your basic training

It’s crucial that you and your staff have the right skills and knowledge to be safe on the fire line. It’s a good idea to run through a refresher with your staff covering at least the following: 

–       How to operate your equipment to suppress a fire

–       Maintaining a lookout for dangers at all times

–       Always maintaining communication at a fire

–       How to identify escape routes, and when to use those escape routes

–       Identifying safety zones

Make sure your home has defendable space.

Here’s more on what we mean.

Contact us if you have any questions: Louise, Pieter, Mitch and Keith: 063 690 7899