Controlled fire in Dana Bay

Controlled, ecological burning of fynbos will occur during March at the Paradise Coast Beach & Eco Estate in Dana Bay, in Mossel Bay.

Fynbos is a fire-loving ecological system and, without fires, the bio diversity in this unique vegetation type will decrease. As fire is an important component in fynbos, this type of vegetation is well adapted to a fire regime.

According to CapeNature, without fire, the seeds of fynbos will not be able to germinate and the species will not be able to replace itself. The type of fire (surface or crown), fire intensity ("hot" or "cool"), the season and frequency at which the veld is burnt are important. CapeNature explains that cool fires have a negative effect on the large seed ant dispersed species, such as Leucospermum sp. that require high intensity fires to stimulate the seed germination.

CapeNature states that, ideally, natural burning of fynbos should occur during late February or March under hot, dry and windy conditions. Taking fire safety into account, a burning permit is only likely to be issued when the long-term weather prediction is not for hot, dry and windy conditions. The area will, however, be burnt in a fashion that will achieve the closest possible replication of a natural burn.

The area will be burnt under 24-hour supervision over a period of three to four days by fully trained and equipped fire managers and their staff, with all the required water and safety equipment on site. The south western section of the estate south of Flora Road will be burnt this year. The burning will be implemented in a manner to allow for natural wildlife to migrate to areas that will not be burnt and special care will be taken to ensure their safety.

Any specific fire-related questions should be addressed to the Fire Manager at pc-fire815@gmail.com.

- Mossel Bay Advertiser