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frequent fires in the groenlandberg

Fire fighters in the Overberg region this summer have been battling devastating fires lasting for days. Fighting fires in a number of areas stretched resources to the limit during the festive season in the southern section of the Boland.

Since October 2009, Kogelberg Nature Reserve has been responding to fires in the Botriver area, and after the fourth fire in the same area in quick succession, according to Overberg disaster manager, Reinhard Geldenhuys, speculation arose about a possible arsonist.

Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said police were investigating a case of arson, and hoped to make an arrest soon. "We've heard about it and are looking into it urgently. We're investigating the matter seriously," Van Wyk said.

In one of the fires, the entire Groenlandberg Mountain was engulfed in flames, threatening farms in the foothills of the mountain in the Elgin Valley and seriously injuring a winemaker. Geldenhuys said that most of the Groenlandberg Nature Reserve was burnt by the fire.

Manager of Volunteer Wildfire Services at Jonkershoek Station, Hayley Marrison, said “Some will be fierce and seemingly endless in their capacity to destroy our common heritage – environmental and plant biodiversity - frustrating attempts to contain and suppress them. Other fires may be seen as “tame” in comparison, but can be equally damaging when considering the concentration of Fynbos plant species, in particular. We have learnt that a delicate relationship exists between Fynbos and Fire – it’s the frequency and intensity that needs controlling.”

For more information contact Secretary: Boland Area Manager, CapeNature, Wendy Tawse on +27 21 850 5260

Date posted: 22 January 2010

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frequent fires in the groenlandberg