Don’t burn your fingers, warns Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services

ERMELO – As illegal burning of waste and vegetation becomes increasingly widespread across Msukaligwa, residents are being warned they risk ‘burning their fingers’, facing serious health hazards, environmental damage and hefty fines.

Mandla Zwane, the spokesperson for the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services, stressed the dangers and legal consequences of burning household or garden waste.

“Burning waste releases toxic chemicals like dioxins into the air, which not only harm the environment but also pose serious health risks to families and neighbours. Whether in barrels, bonfires or garden incinerators, this practice is illegal and punishable by law.”

The fire service warns that illegal fires can rapidly get out of control, threatening homes, animals and lives.

“We remind residents that if our teams respond to illegal burning reported by the public, the homeowner will be billed for the call-out, and offenders may face fines of up to R5 000,” Zwane added.

According to Msukaligwa’s fire service by-laws, no person may make or allow open, uncontrollable or unattended fires that pose a threat to people, property or the environment.

Exceptions are made only for fires in approved devices or those safely used for cooking and heating. Burning refuse, wood, straw or other combustible materials without written permission from the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Service is a criminal offence.

In addition to banning illegal fires, property owners are required to manage vegetation carefully to reduce fire hazards.

This includes maintaining firebreaks by trimming grass, weeds, shrubs and trees that could fuel wildfires. Agricultural properties must have fire breaks of at least five metres along boundaries to prevent fire from spreading.

Residents are urged to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately by calling Msukaligwa Fire and Emergency Services on 017 801 3400 or 072 883 8528.