Latest news with #WitbankFireProtectionAssociation
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
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. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Winter is coming – farmers recalled to action to help fight veld fires
Winter is coming – farmers recalled to action to help fight veld fires Witbank Fire Protection Association members and their workers are invited to a basic firefighting course. This course will be presented by Witbank Fire Department on May 17, and it will start at 09:00. The duration of the course is approximately four hours. You must be a member of the association to attend the course, which is presented at no cost. Some of the benefits of being a member include free assistance from the fire department with veld fires, training for members and their workers, daily weather forecasts for planning firebreaks, and as a bonus, members receive discounts from certain insurance companies on their premiums. The cost to join the Witbank Fire Protection Association: One to 50 ha – R100 per year. 50 to 100 ha – R200 per year. 100 to 200 ha – R400 per year. 200 and more ha – R500 per year. If you want to join, WhatsApp Salomie Botha on 074 303 3458 for an application form. Also WhatsApp Salomie before May 15 so that an attendance certificate can be issued. For any enquiries, contact Piet Wassenaar at 082 870 4124 from the Witbank Fire Protection Association. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
