Groundbreaking research has found that certain invasive plant species pose a much higher fire risk than native thicket species.
Steering clear of invasive species such as pine, gum and wattle in favour of indigenous species could therefore buy more time when a fire breaks out.
In a press release, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) says NMU researcher Samukelisiwe Msweli has pinpointed certain plants that ignite quickly and burn intensely, significantly increasing wildfire risks and making fires more destructive.
This is an urgent concern as climate change fuels more frequent and intense fires, and her findings provide crucial insights that can help homeowners, urban planners and environmental managers make informed decisions about landscaping and fire prevention.
"It is tangible information people can use immediately. Many will recognise these shrubs and trees from their own gardens," says Msweli.
Understanding the fire risks of different plant species can help communities take preventative measures, and ward off events such as the devastating Garden Route fires of November 2018 in which several people died.
Invasive vs indigenous
The question Msweli asked was: If a fire breaks out, what could buy you time?
Her study assessed the flamma-bility of 30 woody species, many never studied before. It showed that invasive species such as pine, gum and wattle pose particularly high fire risks due to their rapid ignition and intense burning.
"Wattle not only carries fire but also drains water from the soil, and it is not indigenous to this area. The high fire risk posed by these species needs to be considered in planting decisions and invasive plant-clearing efforts," Msweli explains.
In contrast, native thicket species in the region were found to be less flammable, offering a safer alternative for fire-conscious gardeners and planners.
She suggests simple steps such as choosing the right plants, keeping gutters clean of dry branches, sweeping up dry leaves, and maintaining a clear space around homes to help protect property and lives.
Satellite imaging
Msweli will now expand her research as part of her PhD at the University of Cape Town, where she will use satellite imaging to assess fire risks across landscapes. She wants to establish whether one could detect the risk of a whole area using satellite data once one understands how a species burns.
Msweli says this would result in a landscape being deemed as low, medium or high flammability because of the plant species there.
"I've had great supervisors, including Dr Tineke Kraai and Prof Alastair Potts at Nelson Mandela University, and I am looking forward to working with Dr Jasper Slingsby at UCT," she says.
They will look at the vegetation and then remotely assess whether an area is at risk.
Her work aims to integrate plant flammability insights into wildfire management strategies, helping communities to better prepare for fire threats.
"Fire isn't always the enemy – it is part of nature. Fire has its uses but we need to learn how to live with it safely."
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