What to Do When a Fire is Close By

Pic Denise Olivier

With the fire on Slangkop above Kommetjie, here is Part 1 of a Summer Wildfire Safety Series by the KRRA Disaster Risk Management Subcommittee. If a fire burns near you, preparation and calm action can make all the difference. This guide explains what to do — and when it’s time to leave.

1. Prepare Your Home

Embers can travel several kilometres ahead of a wildfire and are the leading cause of house ignitions.
Clean your gutters and roof valleys regularly to remove dry leaves. Clear dry vegetation within 10–30 metres of your home - trim trees and shrubs  so that branches and dry materials don’t touch your roof, gutters, decks, fences and walls.

2. Stay Informed

Accurate, timely information helps you make the right decisions.

Monitor official channels: Local fire services, municipality alerts, and community disaster management groups.
Tune in to radio stations: CapeTalk 567AM, KFM 94.5, and SAfm.
Avoid rumours and unverified posts — rely on official sources only.
Know your evacuation routes: Plan two ways out of your area.

> 📱 Tip: Save your local Fire & Rescue and Disaster Management numbers in your phone before fire season. For emergency services call 021 480 7700 from a cell phone and 107 from a landline. The local fire control room is 021 5901900.

3. Prepare to Leave Early

If the fire is close enough that you can see embers or ash falling — get ready to go immediately.

- Pack your go-bag and load pets (see here for information on putting together a ‘go bag’.)
- Move your car facing the road.
- Dress in long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, and a mask or scarf.
Close windows and doors.
Turn off gas bottles
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and buckets with water.

4. Defend Your Home – Only if It’s Safe to Stay

Block your downpipes (use rags or tennis balls) and fill your gutters with water.
Wet down decks, walls, and roofs, especially on the side facing the fire.
Move outdoor furniture and flammable items away from the house.
Close curtains or blinds.
- Keep hoses connected.

>

💧 Tip: If you have a pool or water tank, a submersible or portable pump can help you draw water to wet down your property — but only while it’s safe. Never stay behind once evacuation becomes necessary.

5. During the Fire

If evacuation is ordered — leave immediately.
If trapped, stay inside a solid structure, keep doors closed but unlocked, stay low to the ground, and keep listening for updates.

6. After the Fire Passes

Do not return home until authorities say it’s safe. Watch for hot spots, falling branches, or damaged structures. Photograph damage and help neighbours.

7. Stay Prepared Year-Round

Every fire season brings new challenges, but preparation makes all the difference. By clearing your property, maintaining your insurance, packing a go-bag, and knowing how to act in an emergency, you’re protecting your home and your community.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: early action saves lives.

8. Make a grab-and-go bag

A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that's easy to take with you, in case you need to leave right away. It's a good idea to make grab-and-go bags for your home, workplace and vehicle.

• Food (ready to eat) and water

• Phone charger and battery bank

• Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight

• Extra batteries

• Small first-aid kit and personal medications

• Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

• Copy of your emergency plan

• Copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and identification

• Cash in small bills

• Local map with your family meeting place identified

• Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket

• Pen and notepad

• Whistle

🗣 Get Involved:
To share concerns about community wildfire risks, or to learn more about the KRRA’s local disaster risk management initiatives, contact resilience@kommetjie.org