Western Cape burns through R10m to fight bush fires this summer alone
The provincial government has already provided support in 14 major wildfires and dozens of smaller fires this season
27 January 2022 - 12:54
byBobby Jordan
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The mountain fire between Kleinmond and Hermanus burnt more than 5,000ha, including 10ha of commercial fynbos. Picture: TRAFFICSA/TWITTER.
The Western Cape has already spent more than R10m fighting wildfires during the current fire season, the province reported on Thursday.
Most of the expense relates to aerial support which costs up to R78,000 an hour for a large helicopter, said a statement from the office of Anton Bredell, MEC of local government, environmental affairs and development planning.
“Up to the end of January, we have already provided support in 14 major wildfires and dozens of smaller fires at a cost of R10.168m to the provincial disaster budget,” Bredell said.
“The province works closely with municipalities, who also contribute accordingly towards these operations.”
The Western Cape government says aerial firefighting is by far the biggest expense when fighting fires. REUTERS/FRED GREAVES.
Bredell commended the province’s firefighting teams and said the majority of fires were extinguished within an hour of being reported.
“The past month again showed us the effectiveness of deploying aerial resources sooner than later. Though expensive, it often prevents small fires from growing into runaway wildfires which could ultimately result in serious damage to property and loss of life.
“Prioritising aerial support plays a large role in our success rate of extinguishing 90% of fires within the first hour, before they can potentially become runaway and uncontrollable blazes,” he said.
The Kleinmond fire earlier in January burnt 5,000ha, including 10ha of commercial fynbos. Fortunately there were no casualties or extensive damage to property, Bredell said.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
But so far no extensive damage nor casualties
Western Cape burns through R10m to fight bush fires this summer alone
The provincial government has already provided support in 14 major wildfires and dozens of smaller fires this season
The Western Cape has already spent more than R10m fighting wildfires during the current fire season, the province reported on Thursday.
Most of the expense relates to aerial support which costs up to R78,000 an hour for a large helicopter, said a statement from the office of Anton Bredell, MEC of local government, environmental affairs and development planning.
“Up to the end of January, we have already provided support in 14 major wildfires and dozens of smaller fires at a cost of R10.168m to the provincial disaster budget,” Bredell said.
“The province works closely with municipalities, who also contribute accordingly towards these operations.”
Bredell commended the province’s firefighting teams and said the majority of fires were extinguished within an hour of being reported.
“The past month again showed us the effectiveness of deploying aerial resources sooner than later. Though expensive, it often prevents small fires from growing into runaway wildfires which could ultimately result in serious damage to property and loss of life.
“Prioritising aerial support plays a large role in our success rate of extinguishing 90% of fires within the first hour, before they can potentially become runaway and uncontrollable blazes,” he said.
The Kleinmond fire earlier in January burnt 5,000ha, including 10ha of commercial fynbos. Fortunately there were no casualties or extensive damage to property, Bredell said.
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