With the official fire season starting today, 1 November 2022 until the end of May 2023, the importance of ensuring that all vacant plots, public open spaces and other fire hazard areas, are cleared of fire fuel and alien vegetation, once again comes to mind.

Owners of undeveloped, overgrown erven are hereby requested to ensure that their properties are fire compliant to reduce the risk of ignition and the spread of fires to adjacent residences and veld.

Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill said the Municipality will establish an internal task team to ensure compliance on municipal properties after meeting with all the custodians of these properties as well as the Community, Environmental and Fire Departments.

Together we can ensure that we experience the minimum of run-away fires during this season.

Residents are urged to observe the following fire safety precautions during fire season:

• Cut back vegetation and remove debris around your home
• Keep your roof and gutters clean
• Understanding the risks combustible materials pose and do no not let combustible materials build up
• Move your firewood away from your house and don’t leave flammable material below decks and verandas
• Open fires are a common cause of uncontrolled fires in the Western Cape. It’s not a good idea to start a fire when it’s hot, dry and especially not when it’s windy
• Do not leave candles, braais or other open flames and/or fires unattended
• Keep your garden hose connected
• Join a Fire Protection Association
• Make sure your firebreaks are in place and that they are wide enough for a fire engine.

Any emergency and/or distress call regarding fires can be reported to the Municipality’s 24-hour Fire & Rescue Emergency only number on 028 312 2400.