Waste-burning fires could land you in hot water
It is illegal to burn household or garden waste in any way, including in a barrel or exposed pile in a yard or garden, on a bonfire, on an open fire, range or other solid fuel appliance, or in a mini incinerator.
ERMELO – With winter upon us, some yards are covered in leaves, and many residents find it easiest to get rid of them by burning them.
According to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s by-laws, no one may make an open, uncontrolled or unattended fire or allow a fire to be made in such a place and/or in such a way that it poses an actual or potential threat to any person, animal, building, premises or other property.
In a notices issued by the chief fire officer of Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services, Jaco Johnstone, burning waste in your home or garden is illegal, as it can release harmful chemicals into the air.
It is illegal to burn household or garden waste in any way, including in a barrel or exposed pile in a yard or garden, on a bonfire, on an open fire, range or other solid fuel appliance, or in a mini incinerator.
If the fire services respond to any illegal burning at your home or garden that was reported by the public, the homeowner will be billed accordingly for a call-out.
If you are convicted of burning waste in your home or garden, you can be fined up to R5 000.
“Burning waste in your home or garden can release toxic dioxins into the air. This can affect the air around you and may upset your neighbours. For example, paper waste can contain synthetic materials and disposable nappies contain gels, bleaches and plastics,” Johnstone said in the notice.
Fires can get out of control very easily and cause great harm.
If you see any out-of-control or unattended fires, report it to the fire and emergency services on 017 801 3400 or 072 883 8528.
