KNYSNA NEWS - A prescribed ecological burn of approximately 800ha of fynbos is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday 8 May, in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park.
It is a joint operation between SANParks and the Mountain to Ocean group, with assistance from the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, Working on Fire, and Bitou Municipality, SANParks said.
The 800ha block of fynbos is situated northeast of The Crags, and northwest of the Nature’s Valley Rest Camp in the De Vasselot part of the Tsitsikamma Section.
Start between 08:00 and 09:00
SANParks said the ignition is scheduled to start between 08:00 and 09:00, with operations expected to conclude by 17:00 on the same day.
More than 200 personnel will be deployed, and aerial support will be on standby to assist as needed.
It said fire plays a critical role in the ecology of fynbos vegetation, serving as a natural disturbance agent that maintains biodiversity and supports vital ecological processes.
Prescribed burns also helped reduce the build-up of fuel loads, thereby lowering the risk of uncontrolled wildfires that threaten human lives, infrastructure, and the environment.
Regeneration of fynbos
"These planned burns are typically carried out during the summer and autumn seasons, which favour post-fire regeneration of fynbos species.
"If fynbos does not burn often enough, proteas and other species get too old and their reproductive ability declines substantially, but if fynbos burns too often, reseeding shrubs can be lost and re-sprouting species and alien species can take over.
"Following a fire, reseeding fynbos species release their seeds, and seeds from ericas, restios, proteas and other fynbos species are more likely to germinate after they have been exposed to smoke.
'Smoke will be visible throughout day'
"Weather forecasts for tomorrow, 8 May, predict warm conditions with minimal wind, favourable for the burn.
"Residents in Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas are advised that increased smoke will be visible throughout the day and should not be a cause for concern.
"SANParks appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding during this essential ecological operation."
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