How many fire lookouts have you got on the mountain?
We stopped using fire lookouts in the '80s. The public is our lookout. They were reporting smoke before the lookouts could report it.
How well is that working?
Very well. Usually they will phone the fire brigade services or the hotline.
Did that happen?
A member of the public spotted the smoke and reported it.
What was the response time?
Our crews were there within 20 minutes. By then the fire had started spotting: small embers picked up by the wind and wherever they drop they start new fires.
To what extent is that caused by pine trees?
They greatly exacerbate it.
Why haven't they been cleared?
They're part of the historical and cultural landscape. It's a heritage issue. You're not allowed to touch them. You're only allowed to cut down dead and dying trees.
What happens to the wood?
It's put into stacks, which we burn in winter.
Is that why there are so many dry logs lying around?
It would be. We can't just go out there and burn. We need to apply for a burning permit issued by the City of Cape Town.
How's that working?
It takes six to eight weeks for us to apply for a burning permit. It's a very cumbersome process.
Should you have been doing more to reduce fuel loads?
We should have done more burning. But we've got issues with the permit, and if a burn is within 100m of a building you have to go through a long public-participation process.
Is this why the fire got so close to urban areas?
I won't say that. We prepare firebreaks along the urban edge.
How useful are they against flying embers?
Not very effective if the wind is blowing.
Does the legislation protecting pine trees need to be changed?
Pine trees should not be on the urban edge.
So it needs to be changed?
In areas where it is applicable, yes. But even where it's not, if we cut down trees we have people complaining. In Tokai the public took us to court for cutting down pine trees. They don't understand what an ember attack is.
How frustrating for you is this legislation?
It's hell of a frustrating if you look at what happened on Sunday.
A report in 2012 said there must be a proper fire management plan. Is there one?
Yes.
Doesn't it include the removal of alien vegetation and pine trees?
No, SANParks has its own alien clearing plan.
Isn't alien clearing part of fire management?
We take it into consideration. That's why we have meetings with our conservation department.
Is there more you could do to prevent the next disaster?
We need to educate and inform the public so we can step up our fuel-reduction burning.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.