By Mitch Afrika 

Fire is often seen as a destructive force, but in a fire-adapted system like the fynbos biome we live in, it is also a key driver of diversity, renewal and resilience.

Fire is not always as destructive as it is made out to be. Most fynbos species can resprout after fire; an example of such a species is Mimetes cucullatus. Other species grow from their rich seedbank, like some of the Protea and Erica families. The Fire Lily (Cyrtanthus ventricosus), for example, is in full flower 10 to 12 days after seemingly devastating fires.

Although not all fires are bad fires, the right fire regime is critical. Important factors include:


· Intensity
· Frequency
· Season

Proper land management is critical! That includes:

Firebreaks

The National Veld and Forest Fire Act of 1998 says that all landowners must have firebreaks on their property boundaries. It is often mentioned that firebreaks do not necessarily stop a fire from spreading. That is not the only goal of a firebreak. The reduced fuel load in a firebreak allows for more effective, direct firefighting. But it also allows for the use of indirect firefighting, like back burns, and gives firefighters access to the fire.

Take a look at the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association ‘Rules for Firebreaks’ – which stipulates that the width of a firebreak should be at least 2.5 times the height of the adjacent vegetation with a minimum of 2m. A Guide to Integrated Fire Management also provides more information on firebreaks.

Defensible space around infrastructure

Defensible space around infrastructure is not mandated by national law like firebreaks; however, to protect infrastructure, defensible space is a must. Infrastructure can ignite through radiation, convection and embers. The design of infrastructure and its surrounds should be able to endure things like radiation and embers.

It is therefore important to keep the areas around infrastructure mowed (if it is grass), a good fuel break if it is native vegetation, makes sure trees are spaced out and dry material is removed. This should give fire fighters a chance to protect infrastructure.

Read Defensible Space Around Your Home for more information.

Invasive alien plants (IAPs)

IAPs are plants that occur outside their natural habitat and increase in densities without any further assistance. IAPs for this reason have many negative impacts on the natural environment. They use a large amount of water, cause biodiversity loss, reduce ecosystem services and increase the impact of veldfires.

Managing IAPs is very important: for this you will need a good management plan that guides you on when to do initial IAP clearing, follow-up and maintenance. Read more about how to manage IAPs on your property in A practical guide to managing invasive alien plants. 

Controlled burning

Controlled burning is the introduction of fire to the landscape in a well-controlled manner. This allows you to burn vegetation that is due for a burn under well-planned conditions with the necessary resources. Controlled burns can vary between ecological burns to rejuvenate the natural vegetation and risk-reduction burns done in cooler months.

Controlled burning allows you to create a mosaic of different veld ages, which will assist in better managing the inevitable veldfire. goFPA members can contact their representative or FMU leader to assist with planning and conducting controlled burns.

Fire is a natural part of the fynbos landscape, and learning how to live safely alongside it will help us protect both people and nature in the long run.

Images: LoveGreen Communications