Fynbos is dependent on fire to the extent that without fire, fynbos would not exist. Therefore, in the process of alien vegetation management, fire is inextricably linked to the success of ecosystem management.

Fire is the most effective way of eradicating an existing infestation of invasive alien vegetation provided that a controlled burn for this purpose is executed at the right time and under the right conditions. ideally within the annual fire-season during the dry and hot summer months of February and March.

This ideal timing is unfortunately in conflict with the mandate of the Fire Protection Services of the local authority whose job it is not to start fires but to prevent them or put them out when they occur. Therefore in the planning of a controlled burn it is always a matter of weighing up the pro’s and cons between benefits and risk.

From an ecological perspective a controlled burn during February-March is ideal because it is followed by the annual rainy season that helps the regrowth of fynbos seeds that only germinate after a fire. From a fire management perspective it is always a risk.

Therefore a controlled burn requires considerable planning, preparation, and investment up to two years in advance.

Firebreaks in the right position, fuel management such as stacking of biomass in strategic positions, felling mature trees to stop spreading of seed, and the repair of access routes to allow for water support are a few of the basic elements of preparation.

Controlled burns are costly to prepare and execute, but on a per hectare basis it remains the most cost-effective way of managing alien infestation.

All controlled burns are executed in compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act of 1998 with a fire-plan of the targeted block approved by the Fire Protection Agency and the Fire Chief of the regional government authority.