ERMELO – Clouds of smoke hanging over the town are often seen, and some residents have recently complained about daily fires in open velds.
With winter upon us, most yards are almost covered in leaves, and many residents find it easiest to get rid of them by setting them on fire.
The occasional smoke from a braai is quite acceptable to many, but burning leaves or rubbish on your property could land you in hot water.
According to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s by-laws, no one may make an open, uncontrolled or unattended fire or allow a fire to be made in such a place and/or in such a way that it poses an actual or potential threat to any person, animal, building, premises or other property.
This prohibition does not apply to:
(a) a fire in an approved stove, fireplace or hearth that is an integral part of a structure;
(b) a fire for the preparation of food on private premises or premises set aside for that purpose; and
(c) an appliance for the preparation of food, which appliance is heated by means of electricity or liquefied petroleum gas, and is so positioned that the appliance poses no threat to life or property on any premises.
The by-laws also make it clear that no one shall burn, cause to be burnt or allow any rubbish, wood, straw or other combustible material to be burnt within the area without the written authorisation of the local authority, unless the rubbish, wood, straw or other combustible material is burnt within an approved incinerator, subject to the provisions of Subsection (1).
Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of these by-laws is guilty of an offence.
In response to previous enquiries to Mandla Zwane, the municipality’s spokesperson, he said it is illegal to burn household or garden waste at home or in a garden. This is an offence in terms of fire brigade legislation and the Air Pollution Act, and if you are found guilty, you can be fined up to R5 000 or be jailed for six months.
