Hi Mary:
In the highly specialized South African environment smoke acts as an indicator of open space available for seeds and seedlings and incineration of so many plants release the nutrients locked in the dry foliage.
In a garden, there is not any need for fires or smoke for the plants to flower IF temperatures are warm enough. The problem is if in your area and conditions sunlight and temperatures are suitable for certain species. The South African flora is so varied that there is a wide range of winter dormant/summer growers bulbs that can grow in cooler climates but Cape species do better under warmish conditions like those of S. California.
All the best
Alberto
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