Metro urges fire safety compliance ahead of peak veld fire season
Fire Protection Associations, landowners, and residents are required to comply with national fire legislation to curb the devastating impact of veld and forest fires.
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 bennittb@rekord.co.za 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.
