Ecological burns scheduled for City nature reserves
29 December 2022
The City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch staff will conduct the annual ecological burns at various nature reserves in February, March and April 2023. The actual dates are dependent on weather conditions. Ecological burns are vital to the preservation of natural vegetation, among other things.
Residents should please note the recommended potential ecological burns for this season. These are included in the table below:
| Area | Size of area | Scheduled time |
| Meadowridge Common Conservation Area | 1.5 ha northern block | February - March |
| Zandvlei Nature Reserve | 10 ha Block 1 and Westlake Wetlands reedbed | March - April |
| Steenbras Nature Reserve | 24.09 ha | February - March |
| Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve | 8.12 ha | March |
| Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve | 3.8 ha | February - March |
| Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Hill Section | 26.7 ha | February - March |
| False Bay Nature Reserve: Reedbed between P7 and Zeekoevlei | 1.66 ha | March - April |
'Carefully managed burns are necessary to obtain maximum species diversity. There are numerous benefits to burns. For example, by removing the canopy created by the mature vegetation, sunlight is allowed to reach the ground, which helps with seed germination.
'Fire also provides the critical stimulation which many of our unique fire dependant plant species require to germinate (e.g. Protea burchellii, Protea scolymocephala, Serurria, etc.). While fires that occur too frequently can lead to a decline in slow growing species and reduced seed production, fires that occur with an interval of more than 20 years can lead to bush encroachment and the local extinction of species. Another advantage of burning old vegetation is that it reduces fuel loads, which in turn reduces the risk of wild fires,' said the City's Acting Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
In addition to fynbos regeneration, ecological burns are also used as a tool for restoration: as a first treatment for invasive clearing, and to restore habitat for critically endangered species such as Kedestes spp. Ranger butterflies.
Competent, trained staff from the Environmental Management Department (EMD) will work with Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service as well as Working on Fire and Volunteer Wildfire Services. By scheduling prescribed burns, EMD staff can ensure that the correct staff, equipment and favourable weather conditions are in place to ensure that the procedure is conducted efficiently and safely.
Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
