PROPERTY-owners who fail to clear their plots of vegetation and waste deemed a fire risk could be slapped with a fine of up to R10 000 or even face jail time.
That’s the warning issued by Kouga Community Services Portfolio Councillor Daniel Benson this week. Benson said the municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management Department would be conducting inspections of properties considered a fire hazard and that 30-day notices would be served to property-owners who fail to clear their land.
“Legislation places the onus on property-owners to ensure that vegetation and waste do not accumulate on their properties to such an extent that it poses a fire risk,” he said.
“It also places responsibility on owners to prepare and maintain fire breaks on their land to minimise the risk of a fire spreading to adjacent properties. Clean properties and fire breaks also give the Fire Department rapid access to fires for containment and extinguishing.”
He said should property-owners fail to comply with the 30-day notice, the municipality would take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant legislation.
This includes the National Veld and Forest Act 101 of 1998, the Fire Brigade Services Act 99 of 1987 and Kouga Municipality’s by-laws.
He cautioned that failure to comply with these acts constituted a criminal offence.
Any person who contravenes the Fire Brigade Services Act is guilty of an offence and, on conviction, could be fined up to R10 000 or imprisoned for up to 12 months.
“We can all make the Kouga region a safer destination by reducing fire risks and accepting responsibility for maintaining our plots and properties,” he said.
Overgrown plots considered to be a fire-risk can be reported to the Kouga Call Centre at 042 200 2200 or through the Link Powered by Vodacom app for inspection and compliance notices to be served.
Enquiries about compliance with the legislation can be directed to the Kouga Fire Department at 042 291 0250.
