legislation

National Veld and Forest Fire Act, No 101 of 1998

The purpose of this Act is to:

The National Veld and Forest Fire Act places specific responsibilities on landowners from whose property the possibility exists that a fire may start and spread:

Firebreaks

Chapter 4 of the NVFFA places a duty on landowners to prepare and maintain firebreaks and set out the following requirements:

The Act further states that owners of adjoining land may agree to re-position a common firebreak away from the boundary. This can be achieved through a mutual firebreak agreement. The Ministers may exempt any owner or group of owners from the duty to prepare and maintain a firebreak or firebreaks for good reason.

For assistance and guidance regarding the establishment and maintenance of firebreaks, please contact the designated Ward Manager.

Fire Fighting

Chapter 5 of the NVFFA places a duty on all landowners to acquire equipment and have available personnel to fight fires. The act also makes provision for a landowner to appoint an agent to do all that he or she is required to do in terms of Chapter 5.

The CPFPA has compiled a list of minimum requirements in terms of firefighting equipment:

Equipment can be purchased from Safe Quip (CPFPA members are eligible for a discount):

Basic Wildfire Suppression training can be done through Enviro Wildfire Services, please download training brochure for more information:

or alternatively contact:

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004

The purpose of this Act is to:

Invasive alien species are controlled by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, NEMBA, and places the responsibility and legal liability on landowners to control invasive alien vegetation on their properties. NEMBA has further divided invasive species into four categories;

Category 1a:

 Invasive species which must be combatted and eradicated. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

Category 1b:

Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. Any form or trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

Category 2:

Invasive species, or species deemed to be potentially invasive, in which a permit is required to carry out a restricted activity. Category 2 species include commercially important species such as pine, wattle and gum trees.

Category 3:

Invasive species which may remain in prescribed areas or provinces. Further planting, propagation or trade, is however prohibited.

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 43 of 1983

The purpose of this Act is to:

As per NEMBA, Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, CARA, also regulates and control invasive plant species, however, focuses more on invasive plant species within the agricultural sector. All plant species listed under CARA are included under NEMBA regulations.

Community Fire Safety By-Law, 2007

The purpose of this By-Law is to:

Chapter 7 of the Community Fire Safety By-Law deals with fire hazards;

34. Combustible material

This by-law is enforced by City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, specifically the Fire and Life Safety Department.