IMPORTANT NOTICE: FIRE PROHIBITION PERIOD 2024
In terms of Section 5(1)(a) of the National Veldfire Act (Act 101 of 1998, as amended – NVA), an FPA is to develop a Veldfire Management Strategy for its area.
Section 8.2. 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, in terms of section 8.2.2 (“Promulgation of an annual fire prohibition periods as per fire risk and district”) of its Veldfire Management Strategy, no burning or “fire in the open air” as defined in the NVA is 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 2024 – 31 October 2024
Burning will be allowed under the following strict conditions:
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- The Fire Protection Association (FPA) will approve burning operations in accordance with their respective burning permit system. In the absence of the FPA, the Chief Fire Officers of the Metro’s/Local/District Municipality will approve burning operations in accordance with Community Fire Safety By-Laws.
- Landowners and Traditional Leaders must apply a minimum of seven (7) days prior to burning operations for burning pre-approval.
- Final approval for burning operations must be obtained on the day of the proposed burning operation.
- Section 12(5) of the (NVA) states that all bordering landowners must be informed of burning operations.
- The NVA places a duty on all landowners to have all precautions in place to prevent a veld fire from spreading and/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 NVA or any other applicable legislation.
Click here to download the pdf version of the notice.