10 Golden Rules for Landowners
Essential fire safety rules every landowner in our area should know and follow
Make effective fire breaks
Prepare and maintain effective fire breaks on your property borders. Fire breaks are your first line of defence against veld fires and are a legal requirement under the Act.
Warn neighbours before burning firebreaks
Always warn your neighbours if you plan to burn firebreaks. Use written notice to ensure there is a clear record of the notification. This is both a courtesy and a legal obligation.
Plan your fire-breaks programme with neighbours
Coordinate your fire-break programme with your neighbours. Joint planning ensures breaks align properly across property boundaries and provides mutual protection for all properties in the area.
Insist on neighbours' presence when burning boundary breaks
When burning boundary firebreaks, insist that your neighbours or their representatives are present. This ensures adequate manpower is available to control the burn and protects both parties.
Ensure acceptable weather conditions for burning
Before burning, make sure weather conditions are acceptable. Check the Fire Danger Index (FDI), wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity. Never burn during a fire warning or when conditions are dangerous.
Burn firebreaks early
Burn your firebreaks early in the season when conditions are more favourable and easier to control. Be aware of any burning restrictions that may be in place for your area and the dates of the official fire season.
Don't light fires you cannot control
Never light fires in the open air if you cannot control them. If there is any doubt about your ability to manage the fire, do not light it. An uncontrolled fire is a criminal offence.
You are responsible for preventing fire spread
You are responsible for preventing any fire on your property from spreading to your neighbours' property. This is both a moral duty and a legal obligation with serious consequences if breached.
Don't leave a fire unguarded
Never leave a fire unguarded before it has been properly and completely extinguished. Even a fire that appears to be out can reignite from hidden embers, especially when wind picks up.
Carelessness with fires is a criminal offence
Remember that carelessness with fires is a criminal offence under the National Veld & Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998. Offenders face fines and imprisonment. See the Offences & Penalties page for details.