become a member
Why become a Member?
Joining an FPA for private landowners is voluntary and is intended only for those who own large open tracts of land, and/or abuts a wildfire risk area. However, when weighed against the risks of uncontrolled wildfires, as well as the fact that landowners are legally required to take fire prevention steps, being part of an FPA is a sensible and practical solution to the landowner’s potentially dangerous and costly fire situation.
There are many practical advantages to joining a Fire Protection Association. It allows you to coordinate your fire prevention and firefighting efforts with other properties and agencies from your area. Joining a Fire Protection Association also holds certain legal advantages; one is the Presumption of Negligence clause listed under Section 34 of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act.
CPFPA Member Benefits:
Presumption of Negligence
A person who suffers fire losses will turn to the law of delict to prove liability. The South African law of delict engages primarily with “the circumstances in which one person can claim compensation from another for harm that has been suffered”. Delictual liability incorporates five elements, which need to be proved and these are: conduct, wrongfulness, fault (negligence), causation and harm. If a defendant (accused) is NOT a member of an FPA then the plaintiff (complainant) does not have to prove negligence. The court automatically assumes you are guilty of negligence, and it is up to you to prove the contrary. If you are a member then the plaintiff must prove all five elements.
This is a unique but valuable benefit and cost saving to FPA members as legal assistance to refute negligence is expensive.
Firebreaks
- Although there may be exemptions, the Minister will consult with the registered FPA.
- Through co-operation, members can create common and more effective firebreaks.
- The possibility also exists to obtain financial and /or other assistance with initial clearing of firebreaks.
- Possible relief from preparation of firebreaks.
Firefighting
- The use of WoF Teams for fire suppression is free for CPFPA Members barring variable costs (transport, food and rations, burning fuel etc.)
- Members will benefit by assistance from other members who have the capacity and expertise to deal with fires.
- In some cases, members may be exempted from buying expensive equipment.
- The advantages of a joint firefighting strategy are real and being part of it, members will have the necessary assistance and co-operation.
- Duplication of services will be avoided as far as possible - this could mean another cost saving to members.
- Members will have access to specialized equipment e.g. specialized firefighting vehicles as well as aerial resources.
- Continuous access to free expert advice and possible reduced cost for fire training.
- Rules of the FPAs will be enforceable and will assist members with valid arguments during any dispute or legal disputes.
- Improved communication channels will be established between members that will assist with creating awareness.
- Overall benefits of progressive building of capacity within the CPFPA and thus among its members, with overall reduction in the risks of wildfires.
- Reduction of wildfires/fire spread/major fires due to effective co-ordination/co-operation between members.
- The registered fire protection officer (FPO) of an FPA receives powers to enforce the Act and FPA rules.
- The possibility of assistance from the Minister.
- Up to 50% discount on CoCT Fire & Rescue fire suppression tariffs for compliant CPFPA members.
Burning permit fees
- CPFPA Members are exempted from the Open Burn Permit application fee of R 3 066.00 (incl. VAT).
General
- Although there may be exemptions, the Minister will consult with the registered FPA.
- Through co-operation, members can create common and more effective firebreaks.
- The possibility also exists to obtain financial and /or other assistance with initial clearing of firebreaks.
- Possible relief from preparation of firebreaks.
What does it Cost?
There is a once-off joining fee (also applicable to previously terminated members) and there is an annual fee, determined by the size of the property.
How to become a member?
Complete the Member Application Form and return to the designated Ward Manager. Not sure who your Ward Manager is? Locate your Ward Manager.
Once we have received your application form, we will send you an invoice for membership fees.
Please take note that Membership Fees are not calculated pro-rata.
