KENNETH Stainbank Nature Reserve has begun its annual management practise of fire breaks and control burns which will continue for the whole week depending on weather conditions.
For some, controlled burning is a foreign term but the scent of a bush fire in the air over Yellowwood Park should not elicit panic.
READ: Do’s and don’ts of fire safety
According to KZN Wildlife staff based at Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, controlled burning is a useful practise which is carried out to ensure diversity of grassland species, to prevent bush encroachment and provide vigorous grass growth for the reserves bulk and roughage grazers.
Burning also kills unwanted alien plants.
This is achieved by fire removing old plant material, encouraging the growth of new grass. These burns are usually carried out in early July but is dependent on daily weather conditions.
Firebreaks serve a two-fold purpose. They ensure the safety of surrounding residents from possible run-away fires and they afford protection to unique and sensitive habitat types within the reserve.
Relevant local authorities are advised of these burns each day.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
You can read the full story on our App. Download it
here.
