Fires typically hit the Cape during the summer months but there are conditions throughout the year that can result in wildfires. On Thursday the 3^rd June 2010 the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) Jonkershoek Station received a fire call out for the Betty’s Bay area. The Volunteer Wildfire Services are ready to fight wildfires throughout the year, so even in winter, teams were ready to go at a moments notice.

A VWS team from Jonkershoek station and a VWS team from Newlands station assembled in the early hours of Friday morning, to depart to the Cape Nature Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Arriving at the entrance to the reserve the crew leaders were met by Patrick Shone from Cape Nature who briefed them on a plan of attack. Teams were then driven in the VWS 4×4 vehicles to a section of the fire line that needed to be cut off before it spread to vegetation and terrain that would be more difficult to fight in.

Before the teams could tackle the blaze they had a challenging river crossing to negotiate. The teams were confronted by tough conditions throughout the day. The vegetation was thick making the fire line difficult to work. Shifting winds would cause the vegetation to flare up unpredictably and the fynbos was burning very hot so teams had to select their opportunity to move in and smother the flames. After a long day of fire fighting, the flank the VWS was allocated to was secured and the teams monitored the fire into the evening. After a couple of hours of monitoring the teams were withdrawn.

Wildfires are usually always fought in tough terrain so fire fighters have to be selective in what tools can be used to fight the fire. Hand tools such as beaters and rake hoes are the tools of choice. They are remarkably effective but only when used in a team.

The fire fighting efforts of the two VWS teams were rewarded by a hot meal provided by Jonkershoek Logistics. There is a great camaraderie amongst VWS members and after a hard day its great reward to refuel and analyse the day’s events.  

A fire call out in June is a great reminder that fires can hit at any time at that the VWS provides a great service to the community throughout the year. The suspected cause of the fire was a lightning strike. Thank you to the VWS Volunteers that attended to this fire call.

By Ryan Heydenrych