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Brush fire raised Rondebosch Common area in Cape Town
A brush fire ignited around 12h00 on Thursday, 21 January 2021 on Rondebosch Common in Cape Town. Due to the high temperature, strong winds and mature vegetation, the fire rapidly spread northwards, burning 9.3 hectares of critically endangered Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation. The ignition point was near the intersection of Campground Road and Park Road. While the cause of fire is unknown, it is plausible that a cigarette dropped from a car was the source of ignition. No lives were lost nor property damaged. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, said, “Crews responded with motor pumps from Salt River, Constantia, Epping and Brooklyn fire stations, from Wynberg Fire Station with a motor pump and bush tender, with water tankers from Belhar and Goodwood and seasonal fire fighters from Roeland Street and Bellville. A total of approximately 55 staff members were on scene. The wind was challenging but fortunately the Rondebosch Common is situated between four roads, which acted as fire breaks.The fire was extinguished around 17h00. One flare-up was reported over the weekend. “No lives were lost nor property damaged. We commend the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services for their quick and well-coordinated response,” said Alex Lansdowne,
restoration project manager, Friends of Rondebosch Common. “January to March are the hottest, windiest and driest months in Cape Town. Fynbos has evolved to burn during this period. While a veld fire may seem destructive, it is integral to the functioning of these ecosystems. Many faunal species take advantage of recent fires. Raptors and predatory birds have already been observed scavenging and hunting in the burnt area,” said Lansdowne. “Fire is important to maintaining the incredible floral diversity found on Rondebosch Common. The areas that burnt had fire intervals of twenty years in the south western corner; and ten years for most of the central area except from one small patch was last burnt only four years ago. The habitat in the central area was some of the best condition habitat on site. There are nine species that have been recorded in the burnt areas and nowhere else on the Rondebosch Common Conservation Area. We watch with hope and anticipation of their recovery.” Landsdown added, “The native seedbank will germinate as autumn approaches, the temperature drops and the annual Cape Town rainy season arrives. This spring season we can expect mass floral displays of geophytes and annuals in the landscape. Between now and then, the Friends of Rondebosch Common, together with City Parks, will endeavour to assist the recovery of the vegetation found in this area. Work will include closures of paths in highly sensitive areas, as well as the removal of resprouting invasive alien plant species. The Restoration Project currently in progress will be adapted to capitalise on this opportunity.” Sources: Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and Rondebosch Common Restoration Project Photos: Platoon Commander Stu Jeacocks and Rondebosch Common Restoration Project |
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