Reducing Wildfire Risks Associated With Anticipated Climate Change in the Fynbos Region – South Africa

This project aims to strengthen disaster preparedness in the Fynbos Biome of South Africa. The intervention plan encouraged a “fire-wise” approach for communities that are vulnerable to wildfire. Implementing adaptation measures including information and communication technology addresses the anticipated impacts of climate change on the increased risk of wildland fires in the Fynbos Biome, thereby protecting human settlements, industry, and the environment.

Fast facts:

4 communities with highly diverse population of about 16,000 benefitting from activities;
Improved probabilistic approach developed to refine fire risk estimation;
40 fire protection associations use a satellite-based fire detection and information system that includes a cell phone and email fire alert.

The problem

The Fynbos biome in South Africa is among the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems for plants. But the region is highly vulnerable to wildland fires due to urbanization, agriculture and potential impacts upon water catchment areas. Although the ecosystem is fire-adapted, historically fire has been suppressed there, causing a build-up of fire fuels. This makes fires – when they do occur – to be of a disastrous intensity. This threatens both ecosystems and communities on the urban-wildlands interface.

Climate change is increasing the number of fire-prone weather days, stretching already-strained firefighting resources. People in fire-risk areas are no longer able to depend upon authorities to respond or protect them in the case of a fire.

The solution

The fire-wise concept teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire, encouraging people to take action now to prevent losses later. Project activities are directed toward: analyzing risks and assessing vulnerability to wildland fires as a result of climate change; piloting practical adaptation approaches at the local level; improving the capacities for integrated fire management; and mainstreaming climate change and integrated fire management into local and regional government planning.

Among other ICT measures, a coherent data management system is being developed including seasonal updates of fuel accumulation, and records of changes in these due to changing climatic conditions. This will help in calculating real-time fire danger risk under altered climate conditions and in unprecedented extreme weather events.

Helping the planet

Empowering communities to prevent and respond to wildfires mitigates catastrophic fires that harm the biome. Related activities – such as slashing, chipping, assisted prescribed burning, and invasive weed control – also help restore the landscape.

Helping people

In addition to protecting families and property, this project is increasing the coping skills and resilience of communities involved. Especially low-income housing and informal settlements – which are the most threatened by fires – should benefit. The initiative is also creating jobs.

Scaling up

As the fire-wise approach motivates and encourages self-help projects, this can be replicated among any community living along an interface with a fire-adapted landscape. The climate awareness component could spin off into other climate change action programs.