​As the new year begins, we’re filled with excitement for what lies ahead at the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy.

We certainly didn’t ease into January. A serious wildfire swept through the Grootvadersbosch Valley, turning the landscape into a scene of urgency. In the face of a threat far greater than any single landowner or team could handle, the community came together in an inspiring show of solidarity. Firefighters, neighbouring landowners, and support teams worked side by side, sharing resources, information, and support. Despite challenging flare-ups, the outcome could have been far worse.  We are grateful that damage to infrastructure was minimal, and even more grateful for the people who stood together when it mattered most.
​
The total area burned was estimated at 6,310 hectares, including Renosterveld, Fynbos, and the forest boundaries (forests play a major role in controlling fires and cooling them down; that is one of the reasons we protect them!).

Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone involved, from those on the fire lines to those coordinating communications, to the many who prepared and delivered food parcels to keep teams going.

The fynbos biome is fire driven which is why frequent fires can occur. The GVB Conservancy includes mountain fynbos, semi forested areas and lowland fynbos which is found south of the Langeberg mountain range. In the conservancy, we have had to deal with many fires which have shaped our perspective on fire, and we have learnt so much about the risks and how to manage them. Fires can start from powerlines, lighting, even falling rocks so one must always be prepared. This blog shares some of what we have learnt about fire and fire management.

​Fire, a disturbance or a prerequisite
Fires are very important but can be an unwelcome interruption in people’s livelihoods, both socially and economical (Pereira et al., 2012). Fire can destroy vegetation, buildings, and crops or endanger human lives (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Depending on where and how they burn, fires can be either harmful or beneficial (Hardesty et al.,2005).

Why fires are important in the natural environment?
Fynbos
​
​Fire is necessary in fynbos ecosystem (Manning, 2007) (Pyne,1990). It is a natural and normal process in fynbos and some of the lifecycles in this biome are shaped by fire. (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Fynbos is a fire adapted vegetation and if regular fires do not occur most fynbos types would get dominated by woody shrubs and trees (Manning, 2007). They say fire is the engine that drives the fynbos cycle, and periodic fires are not only an integral, but an essential aspect of fynbos ecosystem (Manning, 2007). Fynbos has more fires than any other type of heathland on the planet. This is due to the severe flammability of the dried, frequently intricated branches, bushes, and restoids, and it is not common to come across strands of fynbos vegetation that are older than 20 years (Manning, 2007).

Without fire in fynbos, there is a chance that the fynbos plants do not produce offspring, resulting in biodiversity loss. If fire is being excluded from fynbos for too long many of the landscapes would become densely infested with limited species of forest/thicket shrubs or trees (Cowling and Richardson,1995). Different vegetation types experience different fire regimes depending on the source of ignition (e.g. lightning), the fuel load (the amount and arrangement of flammable vegetation) and the climatic conditions. Most fynbos communities burn every 12 to 15 years. This frequency is determined by the rate at which the fynbos grows, or the way fuel loads accumulate after the previous fire. (Cowling and Richardson,1995).

Alien Vegetation
Goliath Highburg (Oom Twakkie) mentioned that alien invasion is a larger fire threat than fynbos. This is because the wood of alien trees is hard and burns for much longer, while fynbos burns out quicker. In the long run, the removal of invasive plants will greatly reduce your risk of destructive fires. The veld ages across Grootvadersbosch differ and depend on the natural vegetation and land use. Veld that is older and has more woody material will have more fuel load and will therefore be more likely to burn and will burn for longer with more intensity.

Renosterveld
Renosterveld is at elevated risk of extinction. With 4% of renosterveld remaining in the Overberg, management of these areas is so important and proper management is needed to control some of the threats that renosterveld is facing. (Curtis.,2013). 

The following rules apply for ecological prescribed burns in renosterveld, described by the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust, (Curtis.,2013).

1. Don't burn too often. Keep in mind that how often you burn will vary depending on the type of veld and annual rainfall. Burning every 10-15 years is recommended.
2. Avoid fires through thickets or open regions. These microhabitats are unlikely to be fire adapted and would only burn naturally in extreme circumstances.
3. The best season to burn is during summer (late summer) or early autumn (February/March). When veld is very old, one can burn in April.
4. For burning renosterveld, just like all areas, you need a permit that will include a map of the area you want to burn (Curtis.,2013).

Controlled burning also known as Prescribed burn

Prescribed burning or controlled burning is a management tool used in terms of resource management objectives (DiTomaso et.,al 2006)( Fernandez and Botelho, 2003). It’s ignited by a person and confined to a specific area (Teie and Pool, 2009).The objective of a prescribed fire is to establish and maintain plant life conditions (Teie and Pool, 2009). A prescribed burn needs to be managed carefully (Teie and Pool, 2009).

Before one starts a burn, it is important that you have infrastructure in place such as firefighting equipment, water, firebreaks, and manpower plus up to date weather forecasts (Bothma and du Toit.,2016). 

Prepare well.

A fair amount of planning goes into the controlled burning of areas. This includes:

• The areas must be mapped properly and according to vegetation types.
• Practical routes need to be pointed out. The boundaries of the controlled burns should be pointed out on the map.
• Alien vegetation should be identified and mapped.

Don’t forget that one should never believe that a fire is out until you are very sure. Continue to mop up the fire!

How to prepare for fire and avoid uncontrolled burns?
Firebreaks
​
Firebreaks are frequently included in a management plan to prevent a fire hazard. A firebreak is usually a natural barrier used to put out flames and create a working control line (Teie, 2003).
​
A word with Goliath Highburg (Oom Twakkie) who is responsible for fire management in the conservancy, and he says the following: ‘‘Firebreaks are advantageous, I would advise when constructing a firebreak, make it ankle high, so that it doesn’t cause erosion'', which will have a bad environmental impact later and that’s one of the disadvantages of firebreaks. Other negative effects that can be caused by firebreaks include soil becoming more acidic, compared to grassland soil for example and other aspects such as lower nitrogen count in the soil (O’connor., et.al 2004).

Every landowner on whose land a wildfire may originate, burn, or spread must create and maintain a firebreak on his or her side of the boundary between his or her land and any adjoining land, according to Section 12 of the National Wild and Forest Fire Act. The purpose of the firebreak will determine the type of construction that should be used. The aim of the fire breaks could be to (Teie and Pool.,2009):

• Avoid fire from spreading with either controlled or uncontrolled fires.
• Create a point where fire may be extinguished.
• Create a place where back burns may be started.
• Create a point of attack for a fire
• Create a safe access point to a fire

Firebreaks require the landowner to create and maintain firebreaks along their property's perimeter. The landowner must notify the adjacent landowner and the FPA of his plan to burn if the firebreak is to be maintained by burning.
Planning to burn. A plan should be prepared for even the simplest burn. If it's a low-risk burn, a checklist may suffice, but if it's a higher-risk burn, you'll need to think carefully about the place and put your plan in writing. You can create a burning plan if you want to do a large, controlled burn (Teie and Pool.,2009).
 
Some of the questions that one must think about and answer prior to burning include:

​1. How much manpower do you have?. The amount of labour depends on the size of your burn and the risk of runaway fires. Most importantly the bakkie sakkie will require a driver and an operator. In addition, several experienced persons (6-10) on the ground to light and extinguish the fires.

2. What equipment do you have for undertaking the burn? You will need a bakkie sakkie (water tank on the back of your vehicle), drip torches with petrol/diesel mix. Spray backpacks, beaters, rakes, have enough food, drink and first aid kits available for the fire team.

​3. Is your team wearing the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Head protection, such as a hard hat, and leather or other robust material boots are types of PPE.  Eye protection (goggles) is necessary  and a balaclava for the face. Leather gloves should be available. Fire-retardant and acid-resistant overalls and fire-retardant endurance pants are needed, along with headlamps and torches.

​4) Where are the water refilling points? Consider the location of your dams and water tanks for both routine and emergency filling for the bakkie sakkie. Ensure that you have access to water stations so that you can ensure a safe rotation for the bakkies sakkie, ensuring that the fire line is never without backup from water tankers.

5) Do you have the necessary burn permits? A permit from your local fire protection association is required. A maps of the region that you want to burn is usually included. Have you gathered the information you'll need to make your burning plan? Have you prepared the necessary background to inform your burning plan?.

6) Are you looking for help from a working on fire, FPA, Cape nature, or the conservancy with your burn? If you are part of a protected area, or are a stewardship site, you may be able to get help with your controlled burn.

7) What is the burn's ignition point, and which wind direction will you need to light it? Before continuing with the rest of the burn, look at your veld and consider your ignition point, as well as where your danger zones are and how you'll burn them to be safe.

Why join the FPA?

All GVB conservancy members must be a member of a local FPA . A FPA (Fire Protection Association) is there to protect, prevent, manage, and extinguish veld fires. A FPA develops a fire management strategy and plan for the area; establish rules and regulations, provides training, appoints a fire protection officer and can take action to suppress unwanted fires. Benefits of being a member of the FPA are 1) in civil actions the landowner is not automatically assumed negligent if a fire leaves their property and 2) the landowner may be exempt from making firebreaks on all their property boundaries. 
​
The fire protection officer has important duties. At the conservancy Goliath Highburg is the fire officer and the duties that he performs are to control firefighting activities, enforce rules and regulations of the FPA, inspect members land for compliance and to provide fire protection training. 

We hope that this information will help you prepare for the fire season ahead. Lets hope that it is a fire free season!

References

Botha, N., 2020. Agriculture vs. conservation: how Grootvadersbosch Conservancy finds the common ground. South African Geographical Journal, 102(3), pp.372-388.

Cowling, R.M. and Richardson, D.M., 1995. Fynbos: South Africa's unique floral kingdom. Fernwood Press.
Manning,J., 2007. Field guide to Fynbos

Curtis, O.E., 2013. Management of critically endangered renosterveld fragments in the Overberg, South Africa.
DiTomaso, J.M., Brooks, M.L., Allen, E.B., Minnich, R., Rice, P.M. and Kyser, G.B., 2006. Control of invasive weeds with prescribed burning. Weed technology, 20(2), pp.535-548.

Fernandes, P.M. and Botelho, H.S., 2003. A review of prescribed burning effectiveness in fire hazard reduction. International Journal of wildland fire, 12(2), pp.117-128.

Hardesty, J., Myers, R. and Fulks, W., 2005, January. Fire, ecosystems, and people: a preliminary assessment of fire as a global conservation issue. In The George Wright Forum (Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 78-87). George Wright Society.

Kraaij, T. and van Wilgen, B.W., 2014. Drivers, ecology, and management of fire in fynbos. Fynbos: Ecology, evolution, and conservation of a megadiverse region, pp.47-72.
​
O'connor, T.G., Uys, R.G. and Mills, A.J., 2004. Ecological effects of firebreaks in the montane grasslands of the southern Drakensberg, South Africa. African Journal of Range and Forage Science, 21(1), pp.1-9.

Parker, D., 2016. Game Ranch Management, J. du P. Bothma & JG du Toit (Eds.): book review. African Journal of Wildlife Research, 46(2), p.144.

Pereira, Paulo, Pranas Mierauskas, Xavier Úbeda, Jorge Mataix-Solera, and Artemi Cerda. "Fire in protected areas-the effect of protection and importance of fire management." Environmental 

Pyne, S.J., 1990. Fire conservancy: The origins of wildland fire protection in British India, America, and Australia. In Fire in the Tropical Biota (pp. 319-336). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.

Raitt, G.R., 2005. Themeda triandra renosterveld in the Heidelberg district (Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University).

Research, Engineering and Management 59, no. 1 (2012): 52-62.

Southern Cape fire protection 2019.

Teie, W.C., 2003. Fire manager's handbook on veld and forest fires: strategy, tactics and safety. South African Institute of Forestry.

Teie, W.C. and Pool, C., 2009. Fire manager’s handbook on veld and forest fires. Strategy, tactics and safety-2nd Edition. Menlo Park: Southern African Institute of Forestry.

​One of the Conservancy’s main activities is the removal of alien invasive vegetation. We practice three main methods to eradicate them, these are chemical, physical, and biological approaches, either alone or in conjunction. While, we utilize all methods in our area, this blog will concentrate on mechanical and chemical removal and some effects that have been identified in relation to fire. These techniques commence with the mechanical removal of the vegetation with the aid of machinery, followed by the application of herbicide on the resulting stumps. The remains are stacked and burnt to decrease the fuel load in the event of a wildfire.

Two types of burn intensity can be employed, a cold or hot burn. Both come with their advantages and drawbacks. In our experience we have found hot fires often occur and are necessary when removing large fuel loads in an area that has been cleared of woody alien vegetation. The alternative would be to remove the material from the property, this option is costly, time consuming, and often impractical as clearing usually occurs in areas that are inaccessible to vehicles.

However, there are disadvantages to hot burns. One of our landowners, Keith Moodie, observed the impacts of a hot burn on the rejuvenation of forest vegetation and shared some images from his experience. He hypothesised that a hot burn reduces subsequent regrowth of vegetation, damages the seed bank and the resulting biodiversity. This applies in areas that were originally natural forest. This concept is illustrated in the recovery of his land in these images. 

​The area that endured a hot burn was dominated by grass and Rhus species (Family Anacardiaceae), the unburnt land saw a variety of tree species growing through the unburnt wattle stacks. He acknowledges that the follow up herbicide application is often more challenging through the stacks of wattle but believes that fewer follow ups would be necessary if left unburnt.

An article written by (Holmes et al, 2000) corresponds with Keith’s observations. The article describes the technique of felling aliens and burning them as intrusive but explains that this technique is useful in removing alien invasive seeds and non-sprouting aliens. Our fire manager Twakkie (Goliath Highburg) agreed with this concept. He explained that forest species struggle to re-establish after a hot burn but other vegetation types such as the Fynbos biome requires a burn every 10 – 15 years.
​
In conclusion, it is therefore very important to decipher the type of vegetation where you are working, the ultimate restoration goal (forest versus fynbos) before applying the correct fire regime. Our conservancy tries our utmost to combat alien invasive vegetation with minimal impact on the environment, while protecting our farms. We are constantly adapting our approaches to alien invasive removal, depending on the results of former removals and feedback from landowners. Do you agree with our approach? What have you observed? We welcome your feedback and comments below.
​
Reference:
Holmes, P.M., Richardson, D.M., Van Wilgen, B.W. and Gelderblom, C., 2000. Recovery of South African fynbos vegetation following alien woody plant clearing and fire: implications for restoration. Austral Ecology, [PDF] 25, pp. 631-639. Available at: https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2000.tb00069.x [Accessed 23 April 2020]. 

​Twakkie (Goliath Highburg) our fire officer has assisted with many controlled burns and wildfires. He has completed the necessary qualifications and has immense experience in the field. His vast knowledge makes him the go-to person when wildfires occur, or when landowners need to burn their veld. He remains calm and collected, and always delivers clear and understandable instructions to those who assist him. Working with him in any fire related scenario is a valuable learning experience. Many landowners work with Twakkie at this time of year to plan controlled burns. 

Controlled burns are important because they reduce the amount of fuel that could burn in a wildfire and thereby reduce the risk of infrastructure damage, loss of lives and injury. Another important benefit is the increased health of the environment. Two of the biomes we find here, fynbos and renosterveld (part of the fynbos biome), need to burn naturally. These biomes will lose diversity and degrade without the natural occurrence of fire. Fires allow suppressed species to establish, some fynbos species require fire to disperse and germinate seeds. We therefore partake in strictly controlled burns throughout the conservancy during the fire season which normally runs over the winter months. However, we are particularly careful when burning renosterveld as the optimal burning time for renosterveld is late summer / early autumn (i.e. February/March) to reduce damage to the bulbs. Here is more info on the specific requirements for burning renosterveld. 

Twakkie monitors the natural vegetation and consults landowners. All members of the conservancy are required to be members of a Fire Protection Association, either Overberg FPA or Southern Cape FPA. Once the landowner agrees to burn Twakkie, assists the landowner in gaining a permit from the relevant authorities and begins planning the burn. He will take slope aspect, temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, and the veld into consideration. The date will be set on the day with the best suited weather conditions. The landowners are always ultimately responsible to give the final go ahead for the burn and for decisions made during the burn but Twakkie is on hand to assist and ignoring his advice usually has serious consequences! Typical equipment on a burn includes, a bakkie sakkie, beaters, drip torchers and spray backpacks. A water source to refill the water carrying equipment must be available and easy to access. Once the burn is completed the veld will be monitored to ensure that the fire does not flare up again and any burning logs or vegetation will be doused with water.