Burning ban enforced till end of October

Sinoville residents have been encouraged to apply for a permit if they wish to make a fire between now and October 31.

The Sinoville firefighting association, a registered public benefit organisation that is actively preventing and combating fires in the area, announced open fires as well as ash pits were prohibited between May 1 and October 31 without a permit.

Permit holders will be required to adhere to the following rules:

– Burning of waste wood, block fires, grazing camps and crop residues may only be undertaken when the fire index is less than 45.
– Fire lanes may only be burned if the fire index is less than 55.
– Adequate precautions must be taken, in terms of available manpower and equipment.
– Neighbours, association, fire brigade and the issuing officer must be notified beforehand.
– The area to be burned must be surrounded by a pre-burn pasture camps/crop residues/block fires.
– You are responsible for ensuring that the fire does not spread to your neighbours.
– Do not leave a fire unattended until it is fully extinguished.
– Ensure the area monitored for a few days after the fire.
– When the burning is complete, notify everyone as in point 4.
– The permit does not indemnify the holder from their duties, obligations and responsibilities.
– Approval must be obtained 14 days before the event.

According to the National Forest & Wildfire Act (Act 101 of 1998) those who do not obey the rules will face penalties which include jail time or fines amounting to R10 000.

The act sets out the maximum penalties for each offence but the court can use its discretion on the appropriate penalty.

There are three categories of offences:
– Category one: lighting a fire in the open air when the fire danger rating is high.
– Category two: failing to prepare a firebreak when one is required.
– Category three: interfering with the fire officer in the performance of their duties.

Each category has a different penalty that increases with the second conviction.

The first conviction of these offences will face the following penalties:
– Category one: court
– Category two: fine, prison up to a year or both
– Category three: fine, community service or both (community service should benefit the environment if possible.)

Owners can apply on the Sinoville firefight association’s website on www.apieslbbv.co.za

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