Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area (KRCA) management plans to conduct an ecological burn in a section of the conservation area, between March and April.
Approximately 20 hectares of KRCA will be burnt over one day. Residents and businesses in the vicinity of the Kenilworth Racecourse are warned of this necessary ecological procedure and the resulting smoke emanating from the burn.
Staff from KRCA will conduct the burn and staff from the City of Cape Town’s Biodiversity Management Branch (BMB) will assist in various aspects of the burn on the day including overall co-ordination and control.
KRCA and City staff will ensure that the procedure is conducted efficiently and safely.
Fire-breaks have been maintained and fire-fighting equipment and fire hydrants have been tested to ensure that everything is in working order.
The actual date of the burn is dependent on weather conditions. All required permits will be obtained from the City’s Air Pollution section and Fire and Rescue Services. Air Quality, BMB as well as Fire and Rescue Services conducted the required pre-inspection of the area.
Surrounding residents are advised to keep their windows shut during the burn and all laundry should be taken off washing-lines to prevent odour contamination from smoke. The purpose of the burn is to stimulate the germination of indigenous plant seeds that require a natural fire regime in order for the vegetation type to remain healthy and to perpetuate the species.
Before the burn, a faunal search and rescue will be undertaken to remove any slow-moving animals to safety in suitable areas outside the prescribed burn section. The burn areas are not fully enclosed and escape routes will also be provided.
Residents are advised to send any objection in writing to the City’s Air Quality Management, Andre.Bester@capetown.gov.za Contact conservation area manager, Jerry Khalo on conservation2K@kenilworthRacing.com for more information.
