Msukaligwa Municipality warns: Illegal fires can land you a fine of up to R1 500
According to Mr Mandla Zwane, spokesman for the Msukaligwa Municipality and Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services, the fire services have seen an increase in reports being made about people starting fires in the open.
Winter is looming and this is typically accompanied by illegal open fires being made – whether to brave the cold or merely to clear a property of dry garden waste.
This however, is not allowed under the municipal bylaws and also constitutes a criminal offence in the case of a fire spreading and endangering the interests of others.
Regardless thereof, it is still common practice in Ermelo.
Enshrined in the South African Constitution, section 24 of the Bill of Rights speaks to everyone’s right to:
(a) an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing; and
(b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that—
(i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation;
(ii) promote conservation; and
(iii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.
In the event where the fire services have to be dispatched to a fire, and it is found that an open fire was started without the necessary authorisation, the owner of the stand or individual responsible for the fire, will be billed for the attendance of the fire brigade and also face a fine of R1 500.
According to Mr Mandla Zwane, spokesman for the Msukaligwa Municipality and Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services, the fire services have seen an increase in reports being made about people starting fires in the open.
Read the complete article in the Highvelder Newspaper.
