IMPORTANT NOTICE: FIRE PROHIBITION PERIOD 2023
In terms of Section 5(1)(a) of the National Veld & Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998 – NVFFA), an FPA is to develop a Veldfire Management Strategy for its area.
Chapter 8 of the Eastern Cape Umbrella Fire Protection Association (ECUFPA) Veldfire Management Strategy states that ECUFPA will “implement policies and systems to enhance integrated fire management principles” which includes the promulgation of annual fire prohibition periods as per fire risk and district.
Therefore, ECUFPA advises that due to veld fire season and prevailing drought conditions, no burning or open fires as defined are permitted in the winter fire season/grassland areas of the Eastern Cape Province which includes the following districts:
Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, O.R Tambo District Municipalities & Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
For the period of: 01 August 2023 – 31 October 2023
Burning will be allowed under the following strict conditions:
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- The Fire Protection Association (FPA) will approve burning operations according to their respective burning permit system. In the absence of the FPA, the Chief Fire Officers of the Metro’s/Local/District Municipality will approve according to Community Fire Safety By-Laws.
- Landowners and Traditional Leaders must apply a minimum of seven (7) days prior to burning for pre-approval.
- Final approval for burning must be obtained on the day of the proposed burn.
- Section 12(5) of the National Veld & Forest Fire Act (NVFFA) 1998 states that all bordering landowners must be informed of burning operations.
- NVFFA places a duty on all landowners to have all precautions in place to prevent a veld fire from spreading or causing damage.
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For any further information kindly contact our offices at 043 683 2956 (office hours only).
The public is urged to be extremely vigilant and to report any fires to the Local Fire Protection Association and Local Municipal Fire Stations. Alternatively, to the Ambulance services (10177), Police Service (10111) and 112 cellphone emergency number. Any person contravening this notice may be liable and face prosecution under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 or any applicable legislation.
Click here to download the pdf version of the notice.