Is fire always a bad thing? The answer is no. Fires help to clear moribund grass and control bush encroachment. Some plants, like Proteas for instance, actually need fire. The dormant buds on underground stems will produce new growth and flowers will release their seed thanks to fire. Then there are plants that have adapted especially to cope with veld fires such as underground trees. Unique to our continent, they have found a way to survive the weather’s curveballs like fire and frost. Aloes, such as aloe ferox, resist ignition and survive veld fires with the use of dead leaves which insulate the plant.

On the other hand, fire can cause absolute devastation. The fires that hit the Eastern side of the CRR in the last days of September were probably one of the worst ever experienced by residents. Personal damage hit an all time high with the loss of 4 homes and the Four by Four Clubhouse and surrounding buildings. Some residents and workers were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Our wildlife in the Reserve lost hectare upon hectare of their grazing. We can all be grateful for the fact that no human lives were lost, but sadly the same cannot be said for pets and wildlife. These casualties are sorely felt.

Wildfires will always be with us, but the responsible management of fire can work in our favour and minimise the damage.

• Join the CRR Fire Protection Association. This is the best way to get pertinent information, training, and help when faced with an unplanned fire on your property. The CRR FPA covers the nine farms with protected land that is in the Crocodile River Reserve.
• Familiarise yourself with the legislation regarding Fire.
• Respect fire bans and abide by the legislation.
• Burn your firebreaks. Seek advice on how and when to do a managed burn on your property.
• Organisation within the area as to who is most vulnerable, who is best able to assist and what equipment is available will also go a long way to protecting life and property.
• Above all, work together and help your neighbours.

On a personal level:

• Thatch is without a doubt a high-risk material for roofing. Think carefully when making that choice. If you already have thatch, consider the installation of Harvey tiles or corrugated iron on top of the thatch.
• Keep important personal papers in an easy to reach place and in a fireproof document box.
• If you suspect the fire will reach your home, pull your car out and away from the house, park it in the shade if possible, keep the keys on your person and put your pets in the car.

The outpouring of support from the community, family and friends for those who suffered loss due to this fire was truly amazing and we can feel privileged to live in this remarkable area.

To find out more about the CRR FPA or to join, click on this link: https://www.crrfpa.co.za/

Click here to return to the newsletter.