‘Controlled’ fynbos fires to take place in the following Cape Town areas
· The South African
Cape Town residents living near several nature reserves can expect fire smoke in the coming days.
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This is due to the City carrying out planned ecological burns, aimed at protecting local vegetation and reducing wildfire risks.
The City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch has scheduled controlled fynbos burns at Blaauwberg, Westlake and Tygerberg nature reserves between 2 and 4 March 2026, weather permitting.
While the burns may seem counter-intuitive, they form part of ongoing conservation work to maintain healthy ecosystems.
If conditions are unsuitable, the operations will be postponed and rescheduled.
Controlled burns planned across Cape Town reserves
The first burn is planned for Monday, 2 March, at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, covering about 10 hectares east of Blaauwberg Hill between the R27 and Zonnekus Road. The aim is to rejuvenate ageing Cape Flats sand fynbos.
On Tuesday, 3 March, a smaller burn will take place at the Westlake Conservation Centre in Tokai. This area is 2,11 ha in size, located within the boundaries of Westlake Conservation Centre: Erf 12534, between Steenberg Road and Oukaapseweg, Tokai.
The site contains critically endangered Peninsula granite fynbos and Cape Flats sand fynbos.
The final burn is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 March, at Tygerberg Nature Reserve near Plattekloof. About 33 hectares on the western slopes will be treated.
The reserve contains endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, which requires fire every 7–10 years (in some areas 12–20 years).
Tygerberg Nature Reserve will be closed to the public during the operation.
To report runaway fires, call Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services on 021 480 7700. Image: WOFWhy fynbos fires are necessary
City officials say controlled burns play a vital ecological role by clearing canopies of ageing vegetation and allowing sunlight to reach the soil, which helps seeds germinate.
Each burn forms part of the overall ecological restoration plan for the respective area.
“Qualified and experienced firefighters…will conduct the operation and all necessary safety measures are in place to ensure the burns are carried out safely and responsibly,” said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco Member for Spatial Planning and the Environment.
“Residents can be assured that burning permits for these fires have been successfully obtained from both the City of Cape Town Air Quality Management and the Fire and Rescue Services department.”
Fynbos ecosystems depend on periodic fire cycles, typically every 12 to 15 years, to prevent plant species from disappearing and to lower the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
Residents living nearby are advised to keep windows and doors closed during burns and avoid hanging laundry outdoors due to smoke and ash. Property owners bordering affected areas are also reminded to clear vegetation along fence lines, as required by law.
Burning will only proceed under suitable weather conditions and will not take place on weekends or public holidays.
“The burn activity will be completed within one day, with no further ignition beyond 14:00,” the City added.
To report a wildfire, contact the City’s Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services on 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.