Creecy confirms Kleinmond fire suspected to have started at department pine plantation
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The Overstrand fire that raged for nearly three days and burnt more than 4 000 hectares of vegetation was finally contained. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/ African News Agency
CAPE TOWN - Initial indications are that the Kleinmond fire that destroyed more than 5000 hectares of vegetation, started in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) pine plantation in the area.
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed this during a visit to the scene of the Kleinmond fire on Tuesday.
While no lives were lost in the blaze, one structure was destroyed and 5 417 hectares of vegetation ravaged.
“Although investigations are still underway into the cause of the blaze, indications are that it started in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s pine plantation here in the Kleinmond area.
“The Fire Protection Association is compiling a fire report regarding the facts about the source of the fire. We have also enlisted the services of Sanparks since they have internal capabilities to assess this nature. The scope of the assessment will include the origins and causes of the fire, whether fire breaks and other preventative measures were in place and any other factors that may have exacerbated the fire,” Creecy said.
Once the assessment has been received and processed by the Department, the findings and recommendations will be made public.
“I would like today to commend the more than 300 firefighters who battled this fire over six days from January 8. We salute your bravery and we are very grateful for the lives and property you saved,” Creecy said.
A total of 5 644 hectares have been burnt since the start of the 2021/22 summer fire season.
“The 2021/22 summer fire season is anticipated to be busy in part. This can be attributed to the impact of climate change and extreme weather conditions presently being experienced in various parts of the province. An excellent example that most of you can relate to is the extremely high temperatures experienced in the province in the last two weeks,” Creecy said.
Cape Times