When last did you conduct a fire safety “audit” on your property? The summer months in the Western Cape traditionally heralds the fire season, and seeing that your garden and the fynbos grew so lusciously during the winter months, the time has come to check whether that very paradise isn’t perhaps threatening your property, and those of your neighbours.
Firewise gardeners in this neck of the woods ensure that, by November, they have rid their gardens of all dead wood, especially under fynbos, and that overgrowing branches and shrubs have been trimmed back so as to create a clear buffer zone of at least 5 m around buildings. On larger properties with considerable natural vegetation, this zone ought to be no less than 10 m in width.
A luscious green lawn stretching from the property’s boundary right up to the buildings will, of course, serve the same purpose.
Especially on properties in mountain areas and/or within the boundaries of the biosphere, new growth of encroaching vegetation such as Port Jacksons, Myrtle, Rooikrans and Blue Gums must be eradicated, while owners of vacant erven must take care to ensure that vegetation on their properties do not pose a fire hazard for neighbouring homes.
We guess we also don’t have to remind you that where there’s smoke, there’s fire – even if it is only a braai. Thus, please ensure that all braai fires are made in appropriate containers or barbecues and are thoroughly extinguished after you have enjoyed your tasty meal. Also remember not to dispose of warm coals in refuse bins!trong winds and fire hazards
In short, do the right thing so both you and your neighbours can enjoy a pleasant, disaster-free holiday.
If you need to report an emergency or fire or would like some advice on how to safeguard your property against fire, contact Overstrand’s Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services on 028 313 8980.