CAPE ST. FRANCIS IRMA BOOYSEN NATURE RESERVE CONTROL BURN
The controlled burn that was planned for a section of the Irma Booysen Nature Reserve
during the week of 17 to 20 June 2019. The burn was completed.
This is an initiative of a partnership between the Kouga Municipality and FOSTER (Friends of the St Francis Nature Reserves) which is the non-government organisation mandated by the municipality to manage local nature areas. This hazard reduction burn, the first of a series of further controlled in the reserves, burns will be supported by a consortium of partners, namely Kouga Municipality Fire and Disaster Management, Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection, Sarah Baartman West District Municipality Fire Services, FOSTER, Eskom and the St. Francis Disaster Volunteer Group. These organization will contribute staff and firefighting resources. The fire services shall be on high alert and present at all times during and after the burn.
The burn is essential for the following reasons:
• Prevent the spreading of runaway wildland fires during the summer season
• Prevent damage to surrounding properties in the event of a wildfire.
• Reduce the current high fire risk to landowners – under controlled and safe conditions.
• Rejuvenate the biodiversity of the nature reserve ; vegetation and animals are well adapted to persist after fires and need periodic fires to germinate, establish or reproduce. This fire is scheduled to keep this in mind.
In preparation for the burn, FOSTER has cleared firebreaks around the proposed burn site as well as firebreaks on the boundary of Cape St Francis village.
Members of public are requested to stay away from the operational area for safety reasons and close windows.
Authorities will ensure that all roads remain open for emergency vehicles and staff.
The controlled burn that was planned for a section of the Irma Booysen Nature Reserve
during the week of 17 to 20 June 2019. The burn was completed.
This is an initiative of a partnership between the Kouga Municipality and FOSTER (Friends of the St Francis Nature Reserves) which is the non-government organisation mandated by the municipality to manage local nature areas. This hazard reduction burn, the first of a series of further controlled in the reserves, burns will be supported by a consortium of partners, namely Kouga Municipality Fire and Disaster Management, Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection, Sarah Baartman West District Municipality Fire Services, FOSTER, Eskom and the St. Francis Disaster Volunteer Group. These organization will contribute staff and firefighting resources. The fire services shall be on high alert and present at all times during and after the burn.
The burn is essential for the following reasons:
• Prevent the spreading of runaway wildland fires during the summer season
• Prevent damage to surrounding properties in the event of a wildfire.
• Reduce the current high fire risk to landowners – under controlled and safe conditions.
• Rejuvenate the biodiversity of the nature reserve ; vegetation and animals are well adapted to persist after fires and need periodic fires to germinate, establish or reproduce. This fire is scheduled to keep this in mind.
In preparation for the burn, FOSTER has cleared firebreaks around the proposed burn site as well as firebreaks on the boundary of Cape St Francis village.
Members of public are requested to stay away from the operational area for safety reasons and close windows.
Authorities will ensure that all roads remain open for emergency vehicles and staff.
