Firewise

Rooiels is in a fire-prone landscape. Wildfires can spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds, dry vegetation, and invasive plants, putting homes, infrastructure, and natural habitats at risk. A fire in 2017 destroyed two homes in Rooiels, and in 2019 more than forty homes were lost in nearby Betty’s Bay. Recent fire seasons have reinforced the need for vigilance and preparedness. We need to be mindful of fire risks year-round and act responsibly to protect people, property, wildlife the environment.

Find out how to make firewise decisions in Rooiels on this page.

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Being Firewise Every Day
Outdoor fires are not permitted during fire season (typically 1 November – 31 May) or when the Fire Danger Index is yellow, orange, or red.

When you’re finished braaiing, douse the coals with water and dispose of them in your own bin – never on the ground.

Keep your garden clear of dry vegetation and dead wood.

Remove debris from roofs, gutters, and around the property.

Don’t store braai wood near your house walls.

Always be alert to potential fires. If you see something in the village, post on the Block Watch group and contact the Overstrand Emergency Control Room on 028 313 8111.

Further afield, you can dial 107 from a landline of 021 480 7700 to report a wildfire to the City of Cape Town.

Overstrand Municipality Emergency Contact List

Firewise In The Garden
Your garden can be a protective buffer rather than a fire hazard.

Remove flammable invasive species (e.g. rooikrans, wattle, pine, gum). These species ignite faster, burn longer and allow fires to spread more quickly.

Plant low-flammability indigenous species closer to the house.

Maintain a 3-metre vegetation-free strip around your house walls.

Avoid planting dense shrubs under eaves or near wooden structures.

Read more about firewise landscaping and maintenance, including indigenous firewise plant species.

If you receive a plot clearing notice from Overstrand Municipality, click for guidance on what to do.

Firewise Building
If you’re building or renovating your property, making firewise choices is essential. Some top tips include:

Use non-combustible roofing and fire-resistant siding/cladding.

Close off eaves and roof cavities to prevent embers blowing in.

Provide multiple water sources and emergency access routes.

Set the building back from dense vegetation.

Read more on the Building Firewise page.

Being Prepared
Ahead of fire season, make sure you’re prepared.

Keep an emergency bag ready for each household member and for pets.

Bottled water and snacks.

Medication and first aid kit.

Keys, security remotes, torch and batteries.

Mobile phone, power bank and charging cable.

Important documents in a waterproof bag.

Cash and cards.

Change of clothes, jacket, blanket, toilet paper and basic toiletries.

Pet carriers, leashes, medication, food and bowls.

Keep your vehicle fuelled and ready to go.

Keep your devices charged.

Check that taps, tanks, pools and other water sources can be connected to hoses.

Leave hoses connected for the duration of fire season.

Join the village WhatsApp groups, and install a wildfire tracker app on your phone.

If There's A Nearby Fire
Fires can move incredibly quickly. If there’s a fire nearby which may threaten Rooiels, be ready to evacuate at short notice.

Make sure that pets and people are all accounted for, and in a safe, indoor location.

Ensure everyone knows the evacuation route and assembly point.

Check if your neighbours need any help.

Pack emergency kits into your vehicle.

Monitor the fire’s status on an app and local alert groups.

If there’s time, protect your home by:

Closing all windows, doors and vents.

Removing curtains from your windows.

Moving gas bottles, flammable outdoor furniture and braai wood to a clearing on your property.

Wetting down the roof, gutters and vegetation near the house.

Shutting off the gas and electricity supply (make sure your vehicle is outside and ready to go first).

If You Need to Evacuate
Follow official instructions from the municipality or fire department.

Assemble in the parking lot on Anemone Road unless advised otherwise.

Don’t impede emergency vehicles.