Fire on Helderberg
280 hectares damaged
The fire broke out early Saturday morning and was only contained on Sunday. On Wednesday, authorities confirmed that the fire on Helderberg has damaged approximately 280 hectares of the reserve. The City of Cape Town has announced the closure of the Helderberg Nature Reserve for the next month.
While the Helderberg Nature Reserve remains closed to the public for an assessment of infrastructure damage and to ensure visitor safety, it is reported that the ecological damage is likely much less severe.
The Helderberg Nature Reserve continues to provide regular updates on its Facebook page “Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve” and is pleased to share good news following the devastating fires of the weekend.
According to Cape Talk Portal, the fire has reduced the excessive biomass in the area, thereby reducing the risk of future fires, according to the City of Cape Town.
Image: CapeTalk 567AM / www.capetalk.co.za
Although an initial inspection of the reserve revealed that most of the fire damage was related to trail infrastructure, ecologically the reserve is "alive with birds and animals, all adapting to the renewed landscape." The steppe reportedly burned with varying intensity, but left many green "islands" for many of the species that have made the reserve their home.
"Fynbos animals are adapted to fire and know to leave burning areas. Fortunately, the fynbos does not burn uniformly, and there are many small, unburnt 'islands' where they can seek shelter. Unfortunately, there will be some losses, but staff working on the fire have already reported a variety of species seeking refuge in the unburnt sections of the reserve and moving through the already burnt areas," reports Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve.
They further explain that fire plays an important function in the life cycle of the fynbos and the regeneration of the steppe is spectacular. It is said that the sugar bushes have already shed abundant seeds, and it is believed that the first green will soon emerge through the ashes.
Unfortunately, many of the hiking trails and boardwalks in the lower parts of the reserve are severely damaged and require extensive renovation:
Image: Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve / Facebook
Image: Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve / Facebook
Image: Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve / Facebook
Report by Cape Town etc Online, June 16, 2022
