Cape Town: The Biodiversity Management Branch staff and partners from the City of Cape Town will be conducting an ecological burn at the Pelican Park section of the False Bay Nature Reserve. If weather conditions remained in favour, then this ecological burn will commence on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The ecological burns are vital to the ecological functioning and preservation of natural vegetation. Also, it reduces the fire risk.
Reportedly, the contained area of approximately 10 hectares is located within the boundaries of the False Bay Nature Reserve’s Pelican Park section. And, the burn site is located further into the nature reserve, at a distance away from the residential area.
As per the sources, the area comprises of dune ridges and troughs with Endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation. The main objective of this planned ecological burn is to remove senescent Strandveld vegetation, which promotes new growth. The risk of wildfires will also be reduced as the burn reduces the fuel load.
Considering this, Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews stated that residents can be assured that the burn permit for this ecological burn has been successfully obtained from both the City of Cape Town Air Quality Management and Fire and Rescue Services Department.
According to Andrews, if all goes as planned and the weather conditions are favourable, the burn will take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. If weather conditions change, they will likely consider alternative dates from March 25 to 26.
Qualified and experienced firefighters from the Biodiversity Management Branch, along with supporting agencies, will conduct the operation. All necessary fire fighting vehicles, equipment and safety measures will be in place to ensure the burns that are carried out safely and responsibly.
Notably, residents in the Pelican Park area are advised to keep all windows and doors closed while the burn is underway, to prevent smoke from entering into the buildings.