Choosing the right plants and getting rid of certain species can go a long way in protecting you and your home from the threat of wildfires, according to a study by NMU researcher Samukelisiwe Msweli.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (05 March 2025) – Wildfires are a devastating force of nature that sweep across various parts of our country. Yet, within this challenge lies ways to protect yourself and your home.
Thanks to a groundbreaking study by Nelson Mandela University researcher Samukelisiwe Msweli, we’re gaining a vital understanding of how to better manage these fires.
Her study sheds light on the hidden dangers within our gardens, revealing which plants ignite with alarming speed and intensity, making fires more destructive.
The findings provide crucial insights that can help homeowners, urban planners, and environmental managers make informed decisions about landscaping and fire prevention by simply choosing or avoiding certain plants.
According to Msweli, by understanding the fire risks of different plant species, communities can take decisive preventative action, transforming potential tragedy into proactive preparedness – avoiding future disasters such as the heart-wrenching Garden Route fires of 2018, where lives were tragically lost.
Msweli found that in the Garden Route there are highly flammable plant species that significantly increase wildfire risks. With this knowledge, residents in the areas can recognise these shrubs and trees from their own gardens or surrounding areas and protect themselves by removing them.
According to NMU, she assessed the flammability 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,” Msweli explained.
“The high fire risk posed by these species needs to be considered in planting decisions and invasive plant-clearing efforts.”
However, there’s a silver lining. Native thicket species in the region prove to be less flammable, offering a safer, more harmonious alternative for fire-conscious gardeners and planners.
Msweli 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.
This work aims to integrate plant flammability insights into wildfire management strategies, helping communities better prepare for fire threats.
“Fire isn’t always the enemy – it is part of nature,” she said.
“Fire has its uses but we need to learn how to live with it safely.”
By applying these findings, she hopes that communities can reduce fire hazards and protect both human life and biodiversity in the Garden Route and beyond.
Sources: Nelson Mandela University
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