'Tis the Season to be Jolly! But for the brave men and women who Volunteer for the Wildfire Services, 'tis the season to be on standby. Every summer Cape Town watches as parts of the mountain go up in flames. According to the Volunteer Wildfire Services website, the 2007/2008 season saw 4 022.5 fire hours. So what can we do to help? The best way to stop a fire, is to prevent it from starting in the first place One of the most common causes of veld fires is from burning cigarette butts being thrown from cars. I think it was said that the huge fire on the front of Table Mountain in 2006 was started by a British man who flung a cigarette butt into the bushes. I was recently forwarded this mail from Rob Erasmus, Manager of Operations and Training at VWS:

Hi all Please note the following regarding the reporting of people who discard burning cigarette butts. If you see someone throwing a burning cigarette butt from their car, and the site is one where a veld fire COULD start (eg. De Waal Drive, M5, etc), then you can report the incident to 021 424 7715. They will ask for your name, contact number, the location, the guilty party's vehicle registration number/make/colour, and description of the driver. They will send a letter of warning to the driver, and if the offence is repeated, a fine will be issued. Every little bit helps. Please note : No not report matters to this number if the incident took place in a built up area and there is no chance of a veld fire. Frustrating I know, but that is how it is. Cheers Rob

Just in case you missed the number: 021 424 7715 Additionally, if you see a mountain fire starting, you can call 021 957 4700 to report it. I think it's fabulous that they have set up a line of communication so that us as citizens can help police this fiery issue (sorry, couldn't resist!) If you would like to become more involved in the battle against mountain fires, you can either join the VWS or support them with donations and sponsorship. As a member of the VWS you can either become an Active Firefighter, join the Logistical Support team, Admin or Planning team. A couple of years ago I signed up to be an Active Firefighter and started the training that runs annually from about April to October. I really enjoyed it, and many of the skills are generally useful in everyday life. For various reasons and other commitments I never finished the training. Every time a red bakkie come past with the VWS crew on board I think that it could have been me. And one day it may actually be! I hope that at some stage in my life I can make the time for it again and be a part of this rare, brave bunch of people. Please visit their website for more details on how you can assist them, and keep an eye out for flying cigarette butts!!!