As we move into our higher fire risk seasons for the year, we have placed additional emphasis on fire safety both in camp and on the reserve.
Manual firebreak clearing around all infrastructure has continued, with almost all infrastructure having been reduced of biomass. This is done with the intention of reducing the fuel load immediately surrounding any infrastructure and is done annually by the Conservation Team.
With the high wind conditions through the month, unfortunately new leaf litter has fallen which may need to be removed again.
New fire blankets have been provisioned and installed by Ruan du Preez at all the cottages and various other locations in camp.
Fire blankets are compact and easy to install and are intended for use with fires that cannot be extinguished with water - although they can be of assistance with almost any fire.
Fire blankets are ideal for use with stoves, ovens, electrical fires and even for a person’s clothing, and are recommended for installation in any home, kitchen, office or confined space. Designed specifically to smother a fire quickly without melting or dripping, fire blankets can assist greatly with safety and reducing injury and/or damage, should any accidents happen.
If you would like to order fire blankets to be installed at your bungalow, please contact Reception to enquire about the process and make arrangements for installation.
Considering the immense fuel load this year following the substantial and prolonged rains, extra effort is being placed on fire safety on the reserve and around the camp, in particular. As such, further efforts to clear firebreaks around the reserve were continued, with emphasis on the roads close to camp and our boundary roads or cutlines with neighbouring properties.
Fence Road and Airfield Road were widened with the assistance of a heavy-duty grader, allowing for a larger area of bare soil protection around the camp. Protection around the camp also included manual clearing of biomass between Fence Road and the electrified fence, and sections of dense thickets in the camp, particularly in the secluded sections on the southern side of camp. Along with this, all boundary roads and cutlines with neighbouring properties, with the exception of Umbabat Road on Argyle, have been graded and cleared by the Conservation team. Clearing and grading of Umbabat Road is due to commence soon.
By clearing and grading these boundary roads, we reduce the available fuel load for fires to jump across boundaries and allow ourselves more time and a clearer path to react to any potential fires quickly. Reaction time to any reported fire is crucial.
Along with the above preparations, our Fire-fighting Storeroom is undergoing an upgrade. Ruan has installed a new door and new front wall for this space, making it more enclosed and dust-proof. New lighting has also been installed. Final outstanding additions include new shelving for the firefighting uniforms and new signage outside.
As a general reminder on fire safety, please do not make fires in any undesignated sites. Should you make a fire at a designated fire site, please be mindful of wind conditions. Do not leave the fire unattended and ensure that the coals are fully extinguished before covering the fire with the appropriate steel drum. Should wind conditions become unfavourable, please avoid wood fires and extinguish any existing fires.
Finally, please ensure that any smoke or signs of a fire are reported immediately! We would rather react to a potential fire quickly to find that it is a false alarm, rather than delaying a reaction to a real fire that requires immediate attention.
Words by Tess Woollgar. Image courtesy of Tess Woollgar,