goFPA: Looking back on the 2018/19 fire season
(And our preparations now for the next fire season)
Looking Back
Introduction: Counting the costs of the fire season
The 2018/19 fire season was one of the most difficult ever experienced in the Overberg. During the season, we had to fight 20 major wildfires – which proved to be very damaging, and very costly. Not only did we lose lives and infrastructure to some of these ferocious fires; but the environmental damage was also immeasurable.
It was a difficult and traumatic time for fire-fighters and Overberg residents alike.
However, we also learned important lessons during this time. We were reminded how important it is to work together. Many of these fires would have created EVEN MORE damage, were it not for our GoFPA members and partners: our farming community, our corporates and our conservation agencies.
It captures the role of the GoFPA, as the support and communications channel bringing these partners together.
From the GoFPA team, thank you for all your help during this extreme season. In this report, we look back on the season and its impact. And we look forward to how we can start preparing ourselves now already for the next fire season.
The 2018/19 fire season burn scar
GOFPA | CAPE AGULHAS | OVERSTRAND | SWELLENDAM | THEEWATERSKLOOF
HECTARE BURNED
|
yyyymm |
calc_HA |
name |
|
201811 |
43 |
|
|
201811 |
1 288 |
Platbosriviers / Sptiskop |
|
201812 |
21 |
|
|
201812 |
4 722 |
Waenhuiskrans / De Mond |
|
201812 |
1 867 |
Riviersonderend / Die Poort / Tierhoek |
|
201812 |
5 043 |
Bergfontein |
|
201901 |
537 |
Fisherhaven |
|
201901 |
1 438 |
Hermanus |
|
201901 |
1 438 |
Franskraal / Uilenskraalmond |
|
201901 |
86 |
|
|
201901 |
9 915 |
Bettiesbaai / Pringlebaai / Rooiels |
|
201901 |
13 048 |
Grabouw / Elgin |
|
201902 |
21 |
|
|
201902 |
43 |
|
|
201902 |
2 318 |
Steenboksberg |
|
201902 |
86 |
|
|
201902 |
4 989 |
Franschhoek |
|
201902 |
343 |
Napier / Nuwerus |
|
201902 |
21 |
|
Aerial suppression: A busy season for our pilots
718.9: Overberg Summary Total Hours Flown on fires
6 702 000L
Overberg Overall Liters of water usage during fire suppression
6552
Overberg Overall Liters of water usage during fire suppression
“There’s so much knowledge across the landscape on how to fight wildfires. And no one knows the land better than a landowner. So as the goFPA, we work with these existing strengths, to support integrated fire management and coordination.”
Louise Wessels, Manager; Greater Overberg Fire Protection Association
reduction | readiness | response | recovery
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