Maintaining Your Property in Wildfire Season

A fire between Ocean View and Kommetjie in 2024 engulfed the Kom in dense, eerie smoke. Pic Steve Pike

In Part 2 of the KRRA Summer Wildfire Safety Series, we look at ways to reduce the threat of veld fires encroaching on our property to limit damage and danger to buildings, people and pets.

🔥 Wildfire Safety Starts at Home 🔥

Each summer, the Western Cape faces hot, dry, and windy conditions 🌬️☀️ that make wildfires a serious threat to our communities. The best protection starts at home — with small, practical steps 🏡 that reduce the chance of flames or embers reaching your property.

1️⃣ Create a Defensible Space 🌿➡️🏠

A defensible space is a buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation that slows the spread of fire and gives firefighters a fighting chance 🚒.

• ✂️ Clear dry vegetation within 10-30 metres of your home

• 🌳 Trim trees and shrubs so branches don’t touch your roof, gutters, or walls

• 🍂 Remove dead branches and leaves, especially under decks or against fences

• 🌱 Keep your lawn short and green if possible

🤝 Tip: Work with your neighbours — fire doesn’t respect property boundaries. A well-prepared street is safer for everyone.

2️⃣ Watch Out for High-Risk Trees and Plants 🌲🔥

Some common garden species in the Western Cape can increase fire danger because of their oils, resins, or dry litter.

• 🌴 Palm trees – remove dead fronds regularly; they ignite easily and can drop burning debris

• 🌺 Bottlebrush (Callistemon) – prune away dry or dead branches; the plant’s oils burn intensely

• 🌲 Pine trees – highly resinous and shed flammable needles; avoid planting close to buildings

• 🌿 Eucalyptus / Blue gum – shed dry bark and leaves that spread fire quickly; keep the base clear

If you’re replanting, consider indigenous, fire-wise species 🌱 such as wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana), kei apple (Dovyalis caffra), or spekboom (Portulacaria afra). They’re less flammable and better suited to local conditions.

3️⃣ Roofs, Gutters, and Embers 🏠🔥

Embers can travel kilometres ahead of a wildfire -- the leading cause of house ignitions.

• 🧹 Clean your gutters and roof valleys regularly to remove dry leaves

• 🛠️ Consider installing metal gutter guards

• 🔒 Seal gaps and vents under eaves and around roofs to prevent embers entering

• 📦 Store firewood, gas bottles, and garden tools away from walls and under cover

4️⃣ Water Sources and Fire Equipment 💧🚿

Having accessible water and basic equipment ready can make a difference in the early stages of an approaching fire.

• 🚰 Keep garden hoses connected and long enough to reach all sides of your property

• 🔩 Fit metal spray nozzles that can withstand heat

🏊 Pool Tip: If you have a swimming pool or large water tank, consider buying a submersible or portable water pump. In an emergency, this lets you draw water to wet down roofs, walls, and vegetation. Test your pump before fire season and store hoses and fittings together.

⚠️ Remember: Never stay behind to defend if it’s unsafe to do so — evacuate early when told.

5️⃣ Access and Visibility 🚗👀

• 🚪 Make sure your driveway and gate are wide enough and free of overhanging branches so emergency vehicles can reach your property

• 🔢 Clearly display your house number where it’s visible from street, even in smoke or low light

6️⃣ A Shared Responsibility 🤝🔥

Wildfire safety is a community effort. Encourage your neighbours to clear their properties, share resources, and join area alert groups. The more prepared our neighbourhood is, the more resilient we all become 💪.

📦 Next in the Series: Part 3 – Pack Your Wildfire Go-Bag: What to include, how to store it, and why being ready to leave early is the most important safety measure of all.

📞 FOR EMERGENCIESCall 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline

🌍 Get Involved: To share concerns about community wildfire risks, or for more about the KRRA’s local disaster risk management initiatives, contact info@kommetjie.org or Emily on 063 304 9068.