Latest news with #NationalVeldandForestFireAct
The Citizen
18 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Metro urges fire safety compliance ahead of peak veld fire season
The Tshwane metro has issued a strong reminder to all Fire Protection Association (FPA) members, landowners, and interested parties within its jurisdiction that they must comply with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act and the metro's Fire Brigade Service by-law. The warning comes ahead of the peak fire season (usually from August 1 to September 30) in Gauteng. This is when veld, forest, and mountain fires are at their most destructive and often claim lives, destroy property, and decimate livestock. According to Fire Department spokesperson, Lindsay Mnguni, compliance with fire safety legislation is not optional, as the risks are too great to ignore. He reminded the public that the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 and Fire Brigade Service by-law, set out clear offences and penalties for anyone who breaks the rules. Mnguni stated, 'It is common that lives are often lost as a result of veld, forest and mountain fires, with rural communities suffering enormous damage to their livestock and homes. 'We urge all role players to take proactive steps in preventing these tragedies.' The Fire Act applies to FPAs, individuals, organisations, and all landowners defined in the act. He said the law aims to prevent, predict, manage, and extinguish veld fires, ensuring that everyone, including municipal and state landowners, works together. Mnguni explained that FPAs are voluntary associations of landowners, formed under the act to co-ordinate fire prevention and firefighting efforts. 'Once registered, an FPA can appoint a fire protection officer (FPO), who has the authority to take charge of firefighting operations in the FPA's area when lives or property are at risk.' He added that the FPO also has the right to inspect land for compliance and ensure members receive proper training. Mnguni explained that the public also plays a crucial role in preventing fire-related disasters. 'If someone is breaking the NVFFA, they should be informed and asked to correct their actions. 'If they refuse or if the offence is serious, it must be reported to the relevant authorities,' he warned. The metro suggested that FPOs encourage both members and the general public to report offences. Mnguni said that in many cases, the responsibility for receiving such reports can be delegated to different people within the FPA's operational area. However, those responsible for receiving complaints do not have the power to arrest, search, or seize property – only authorised officers can do so. 'The fire season in Gauteng is particularly dangerous in winter due to dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds.' Mnguni urged everyone from rural landowners to urban residents to be watchful, cautioning that dangerous and destructive fires can occur at any time of the year. 'We all have a responsibility to protect our communities, our livelihoods, and our environment. 'Fire safety is a shared duty, and compliance with the law is essential,' he said. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
IOL News
20-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
AfriForum criticises City of Tshwane for neglecting fire safety at municipal sites
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department raises concerns over fire hazards in Tshwane cemeteries as dry season approaches, urging landowners to adhere to legal guidelines for managing and preventing veld fires. Image: Supplied Civil rights organisation AfriForum has accused the City of Tshwane of failing to maintain municipal sites, including cemeteries, which pose significant fire hazards as the fire season approaches in August. This criticism follows last week's warning by the city to landowners and fire protection associations to comply with key fire prevention regulations in order to prevent, predict, manage, and extinguish veld fires. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department urged landowners to adhere to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, enacted in 1998, to provide guidelines for managing and preventing veld fires. Additionally, property owners were informed about the City of Tshwane Fire Brigade Service bylaw, published in 2016, outlining specific rules for fire safety in Tshwane. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Tshwane Emergency Services Department, Lindsay Mnguni said: 'It is common cause that lives are often lost as a result of veld, forest and mountain fires, with rural people suffering enormous damage to their livestock and homesteads during the fire season.' He explained that the fire season is rampant during the dry winter months in Gauteng. "Large-scale losses to the forestry industry are also incurred regularly. However, dangerous and destructive fire incidents remain an existential threat throughout the year," he said. However, AfriForum has slammed the city for applying double safety standards, pressuring private landowners and fire protection associations to comply with fire safety regulations while failing to adhere to the same standards itself. Tarien Cooks, AfriForum's disaster management specialist, said the civil rights organisation fully supports the metro's call to observe relevant fire prevention legislation and regulations. However, she said, the metro must also adhere to legal requirements as well, in order to ensure the safety of people, animals and infrastructure from fire risks. She mentioned that the law outlines that property owners or occupiers must ensure their premises don't pose a fire hazard to neighbouring properties due to overgrown vegetation, such as grass, weeds, reeds, shrubs, or trees. However, she pointed out that the city consistently fails to comply with the same bylaw, despite it applying to the metro as well. AfriForum expressed concern about various cemeteries and other municipal sites, such as open fields and veld strips adjacent to roads in the metro, citing them as serious fire hazards due to poor maintenance. Cooks said: 'Overgrown sidewalks and other overgrown open municipal areas are visible throughout the metro. These strips and areas pose a serious fire hazard, yet the metro is failing to meet this critical responsibility. It is especially essential now, in the dry months and during the upcoming windy August and September period, to maintain these sites according to the prescribed requirements. The metro has a responsibility to practice what they preach and not only hold private landowners accountable for complying with the relevant legislation and bylaws.'
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Gatsrant FPA urges fire safety ahead of winter veld fire season
As the winter fire season begins, the Gatsrant Fire Protection Association (FPA) is preparing to prevent and combat veld fires in the greater Carletonville area. The FPA will hold its Annual General Meeting on June 19 at 17:00 at the Carletonville Fire Department, and all local landowners are encouraged to attend. Aletta du Preez from the West Rand FPA warns that many people remain unaware of the legal consequences of negligent fire practices. In terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998), several actions are considered criminal offences, including: Leaving open fires unattended. Causing fires that damage property or harm people. Discarding burning materials carelessly. Lighting fires in prohibited areas. Failing to create firebreaks or assist with fire-fighting when asked. Negligence alone can lead to prosecution, and offences are classified in categories — with Category 1 offences carrying the harshest penalties. To avoid legal trouble and protect the environment, residents and landowners should ensure they understand and comply with the Act. For more information, contact Tom Visser, Gatsrant FPA Chairperson, at 082 808 2035. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
South Africa faces rising wildfire risk: What landowners must know
South Africa faces rising wildfire risk: What landowners must know South Africa is heading into another fire season after a devastating year in which wildfires tore through more than 3.4m hectares of land – an area larger than the Kruger National Park. Read more: Shacks burn as large fire breaks out in Kew The Human Sciences Research Council's recent Spatial Insights report found that the worst-hit areas were in the north: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, parts of Gauteng, and the North Eastern Free State. These regions are especially vulnerable due to dry vegetation, strong winds, and unmanaged land. Whether you own a farm, a smallholding, or a residential plot, you are legally required to help prevent veld fires. The National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA) says you must take reasonable steps to stop fires from starting or spreading. That includes keeping your land in good condition and having proper firebreaks. If a fire starts on your property and spreads, you could be held responsible, especially if it causes damage or injury. Also read: Fire blazes in Joburg CBD What you can do Here are some simple ways to protect your property and community: Create firebreaks: Clear strips of land along your boundary can slow fires. You'll need a permit if you plan to burn them. Clean up: Remove dead branches, dry grass, and rubbish that could catch fire easily. Be careful: Never leave a fire unattended or toss burning items like cigarettes. It's illegal – and dangerous. Educate your household: Everyone on your property should know how to report a fire and use basic equipment safely. Stay alert: Join your local fire protection association to get early warnings via SMS or WhatsApp. Check your equipment: Fire extinguishers, hoses, and pumps should be ready and in working order. Local suppliers like SafeQuip stock reliable firefighting gear. Fire season is unpredictable, but with the right steps, you can help protect your home and community. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Emergency Services and City Power remain on alert after underground fire in Braamfontein At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
