Firebreak Requirements

MFPA Firebreak Requirements

The Madibeng FPA (MFPA) applies a uniform standard for all properties within its area of jurisdiction:

• 10m firebreaks on all boundaries of the property.
• Properties larger than 500 Ha must be subdivided into blocks of no more than 250 Ha each, separated by internal firebreaks of at least 5m width.

MFPA Firebreak Preparation Timeline

Neighbour Notification Rules

Before any burning activity (including firebreak preparation by burning), landowners must comply with the following:

• Log burn intention: Register your planned burn with the FPO and obtain a Bravo number.
• Inform neighbours: All adjoining landowners must be notified at least 24 hours before the burn.
• Neighbour representation: A representative from the neighbouring property should be present at the burn, or the neighbour must formally waive this right.
• Communication: Adequate communication (mobile phone or radio) must be maintained between all parties during the burn.

Soil & Biodiversity Protection

Firebreak preparation and burning activities must be carried out with care for the environment:

• Erosion prevention: Firebreaks must not be prepared in a way that causes soil erosion. Mechanical clearing should follow contour lines where possible.
• Biodiversity: Veld burning for biodiversity management should follow a bi-annual burning regime (not more than once every two years) to allow vegetation recovery and maintain ecological diversity.
• Rare species: If a firebreak is prepared by any method other than burning, the owner should consult about the possible presence of rare and endangered species within the firebreak area, and agree on measures to protect them.

Additional Reference: NWUFPA/PFPA Firebreak Widths

The NWUFPA applies PFPA rules as the reference standard across the province. The following variable-width table from the PFPA may be useful as additional guidance, particularly for landowners with properties in multiple FPA areas. In the MFPA area, the uniform 10m standard above takes precedence.

Additional Reference: NWUFPA/PFPA Seasonal Activity Calendar

The following seasonal calendar is from the PFPA Rules & Regulations (Section 1.1.2), applied by the NWUFPA as a provincial reference. It provides additional detail on when specific burning activities are permitted. MFPA members should follow the MFPA preparation timeline above (15 May – 15 June) as the primary guideline.

SPR = Subject to FPA Rules (requires permit and compliance with all applicable conditions as set by your FPA).