Fire season 2017: What you need to know

The Lowveld & Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA) objects to any burning operations within the Association’s boundaries without a valid burning permit in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 Article 25(3)(a)(b)(c)

1. That, within the boundaries of the LEFPA and the Ehlanzeni District, no person shall from 1 June 2017 up to, and including 31 October 2017, make a fire in the open air, or, if such a fire has been made, allow it to continue to burn or add fuel to, otherwise than:
   (a) fires made within a demarcated picnic or camping area or caravan park, or holiday resort, but only at places withing such an area which have been specifically prepared and maintained for that purpose; provided     that such fired are properly extinguished with water and/or sand;
   (b) fires for the preparation of food on residential stands;
   (c) fires made on residential and industrial stands in proclaimed townships;
   (d) fires made for initiation school purposes, but only at places which have been specially prepared and maintained for that purpose to prevent fires from spreading.
   
2. That, within the boundaries of LEFPA and the Ehlanzeni District, no person shall from 1 June up to and including 31 October 2017, destroy, by burning slash originating from any timber plantation or self-sown exotic trees, and or alien invasive plants.
3. That, within the boundaries of LEFPA and the Ehlanzeni District, no person shall from 1 June up to and including 31 October 2017, destroy, by burning residue, cultivated crop fields and veld, clear or maintain a fire belt by burning, or execute block burns, unless a burning permit has been obtained from LEFPA.
   
4. That in terms of chapter 7, Article 25 of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998, persons found guilty of offences will be subject to a minimum fine of R5000.
5. Burning permits are subject to LEFPA rules and minimum requirements (Version 8 April 2017) and any other relevant by-laws within your local municipality.
   
6. LEFPA recommends that all burning operations should be completed by 1 August 2017, weather permitting.

To obtain a burning permit, contact 013 752 6419 or 0860 66 3473.