No burning without permit, Witbank FPA warns
The fire season is upon us, and a number of people, including landowners, may consider burning for various reasons, but the one key thing we should always prioritise is our safety and that of our surroundings.
Piet Wassenaar of the Witbank Fire Protection Association (FPA) said as of June 1, no burning is allowed without a valid permit. To get a permit, landowners can reach out to their local fire brigade and you do not have to apply for it each time you want to start a fire, but you are allowed to get one that will last the entire month.
Wassenaar said landowners are bound to adhere to specific legal requirements when conducting controlled burns such as firebreaks, block burns, or even when using flammable equipment, as failure to do so can result in a fine or imprisonment.
According to Wassenaar, when you want to make a firebreak:
– Obtain the necessary permits.
– Inform neighbours and authorities (fire brigade) by posting it on the FPA WhatsApp group and community groups to prevent panic and unnecessary phone calls when smoke is observed.
– Check the Fire Danger Index (FDI) which is a measure of the fire risk based on weather conditions and ensure that you don't burn when the FDI is above 59 (orange or red).
– Adequate equipment and personnel must be present during the burn to control and extinguish the fire.
– The burn area must be patrolled until all risks or re-ignition are eliminated.
'The grass is long after all the rain we had in the area, don't take chances and be safe,' Wassenaar said.
To apply for a permit, landowners in the eMalahleni area can contact Dennis Ground at 082 3301 359, alternatively, those who are in the Ogies or Phola area can contact Laureta Skosana at 072 8249 274.
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