Why Join a Fire Protection Association?
Legal protection, insurance compliance, and community mutual aid for landowners
Benefits of FPA Membership
1. Legal Protection
This is the most important reason to join. Under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998), Section 34:
- If you ARE a member of a registered FPA and have complied with its rules, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. They must prove you were negligent.
- If you are NOT a member, YOU are presumed negligent and must prove that you were not. This reversed burden of proof can be devastating in a fire damage claim.
2. Insurance Compliance
Most insurance companies require landowners to be members of a registered FPA as a condition of their fire-related cover. The FPA issues a compliance certificate confirming your membership and that you have met your obligations (firebreaks, equipment, etc.). Without this certificate, your insurer may reject fire damage claims.
3. Community Mutual Aid
When you are an FPA member, your neighbours will help when fire threatens your property. FPA membership creates a network of landowners who have agreed to assist one another during fire emergencies. This mutual aid can be the difference between saving and losing your property.
4. Access to Equipment
The FPA coordinates shared firefighting resources and equipment. Members can access resources that would be prohibitively expensive for individual landowners to purchase and maintain on their own.
5. Radio Network
FPA members have access to a radio communication network used during fire emergencies. Reliable communication is critical during firefighting operations, especially in rural areas where cell phone coverage may be unreliable.
6. Training
Members have access to firefighting training programmes organised by the FPA and its partners. Training covers fire awareness, prevention, safe firefighting techniques, and first aid.
7. Working on Fire Teams
Working on Fire teams may assist FPA members with the preparation and maintenance of fire breaks. These professional teams can provide valuable support, particularly for larger properties where firebreak preparation is labour-intensive.
How to Join
Landowners in the Madibeng municipal area can apply for membership of the Madibeng Fire Protection Association (MFPA). You can submit your application online using the form below, or contact the MFPA directly.
Non-Member Risk
Act 101, Section 34: If you are NOT an FPA member, the law presumes you were negligent if a veldfire starts on or spreads from your property.
You would need to prove, at your own cost, that you were not negligent — a difficult and expensive defence in court.
Member Protection
As an FPA member who has complied with the FPA rules, the burden of proof shifts to the plaintiff.
The person claiming damages must prove that you were negligent — a much stronger legal position for you.