No burning in Tshwane until the end of September, says Fire dept
The no-burn Period is instituted to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled fires during the high-risk months of August and September.
The Tshwane metro has declared a no-burn period until September 30.
The Department of Emergency Services in Tshwane said the period started on August 5 and the directive applies to all individuals, organisations, and landowners within metro boundary.
Spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said the no-burn period is instituted to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled fires during the high-risk months of August and September.
He said during this period, any burning activities, including controlled burns, were strictly prohibited unless specifically authorised by Tshwane.
“Landowners wishing to conduct burning operations during the no-burn period must obtain prior approval from the Emergency Services Department.”
Mnguni said the approval will be based on several critical factors, including:
– Fire Danger Index (FDI)
– SA Weather Service warnings
– Fire Protection Officer inspections
Mnguni said applications must be submitted to the Chief of Emergency Services either via email at emergencyservices@tshwane.gov.za or delivered in person to the Fire Safety Section at Bosman Fire Station, located at the corner of Minnaar and Bosman streets.
He said sections 9 and 10 of the Tshwane Fire Brigade by-laws state the following:
– Making uncontrolled, open or unattended fires are prohibited. Exceptions include fires in approved stoves, fireplaces, and devices for food preparation, provided they are safely managed.
– Property owners must maintain firebreaks to prevent fire hazards. For urban properties, grass and weeds must be cut to a maximum height of 150mm. Agricultural properties must maintain a 5m safety fire belt free of vegetation.
“Failure to comply with these regulations may result in legal consequences.
“All activities must adhere to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (Act 101 of 1998) and relevant regulations, which govern the management and prevention of veld fires.”
For any fire or rescue emergency, residents are urged to call the toll-free number 107 or the Emergency Services at 012 358 6300/6400.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
