Fire Season & Restrictions - Hartbeeshoek Fire Watch

Community-provided information: The content on this page is summarised from the MFPA Business Plan and NWUFPA/PFPA Rules & Regulations. It is provided for convenience only and may contain errors or omissions. Always confirm current fire season dates and restrictions with your local FPA.

Fire Restriction Periods

The fire restriction period varies by FPA. During the restriction period, additional rules and permit requirements apply to all burning activities. The MFPA restriction period applies in the Madibeng/Hartbeeshoek area.

MFPA Fire Restriction Period

1 May – 15 October

Annually

NWUFPA/PFPA Fire Restriction Period (Reference)

1 July – 31 October

Annually — applied as NWUFPA provincial reference

Early onset: The FPO may publish an earlier start date for the fire restriction period if winter drought conditions set in early. Landowners must monitor FPA communications for any such announcements.

Total Fire Ban Rules

A Total Fire Ban is declared based on the Fire Danger Index (FDI). The ban escalates in two stages:

High Fire Danger — FDI 56+

At FDI 56 and above, high fire danger conditions are in effect. All controlled burning and outdoor fire activities require heightened caution and may be restricted by the FPO.

Per NWUFPA/PFPA guideline — the MFPA Business Plan does not specify a separate high-danger threshold below the total ban.

Total Fire Ban — FDI 60+

At FDI 60 and above, a total fire ban is in force. No fires of any kind are permitted in the open air.

During a Total Fire Ban, the following are prohibited:

No fire in the open air — no controlled burning, crop burning, or any open flame
No incinerators — all waste incinerators must be shut down
No garden refuse burning — no burning of garden waste, grass clippings, or debris
No picnic or braai fires with solid fuel — no wood, charcoal, or other solid-fuel fires for cooking or recreation

Exception: Gas and Electric Cookers

Gas and electric cookers may be used during a total fire ban, but only if all of the following conditions are met:

The cooker is used within 20 metres of a dwelling or permanent structure
The cooker is under adult control and supervision at all times
There is at least 3 metres of clearance from any flammable vegetation or material around the cooker
A continuous water supply (garden hose or equivalent) is immediately available for emergency use

Grassland Burning Regime

Grassland burning for veld management and biodiversity must follow strict guidelines to prevent ecological damage:

Frequency: Grassland must not be burned more than once in every two years to allow adequate recovery of vegetation and maintain biodiversity.

MFPA Grassland Burning Windows

31 March – 15 May

and also

1 October – 31 October

Annually (subject to FDI and permit)

NWUFPA/PFPA Grassland Burning Window (Reference)

31 March – 15 May

Annually (subject to FDI and permit)

Applied as NWUFPA provincial reference

Sources: MFPA Business Plan Sections 7.5–7.7 (primary); NWUFPA/PFPA Rules & Regulations Sections 1.5–1.7 (supplementary reference). This page is a community summary — confirm all dates and restrictions with your local FPA.