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National Veld and Forest Fires Act (No. 101 of 1998).

Country/Territory
South Africa
Document type
Legislation
Date
1998
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Long title
An Act to reform the law on veld and forest fires; to repeal certain provisions of the Forest Act, 1984; and to provide for related matters.
Subject
Forestry
Keyword
Forestry protection measures Forest fires Non-governmental entity Forest management/forest conservation
Geographical area
Africa, South Atlantic, Southern Africa
Entry into force notes
This Act takes effect on a date fixed by the President in the Gazette.
Abstract

Chapter 2 regulates the establishment, registration, duties and functioning of fire protection associations. These associations must deal with all aspects of veldfire prevention and fire fighting. The appointment and duties of a fire protection officer are also regulated in this Chapter. Chapter 3 provides for the prevention of veld fires through a fire danger rating system. The Minister sets up and maintains the system, although he or she may delegate his or her powers and duties to do so to an organization with the necessary expertise. The content of the system and the factors to be taken into account when preparing it are set out. A prohibition on the lighting of fires in the open air comes into force when the Minister warns in the media that the fire danger is high. Chapter places a duty on owners to prepare and maintain firebreaks. The procedure in this regard and the role of adjoining owners and the fire protection association are dealt with. Provision is also made for the making of firebreaks on the international boundary of the Republic. The Minister is given the power to exempt any owner from making a firebreak for good reason. Chapter 5 places a duty on all owners to acquire equipment and have available. The remaining chapters deal with administration of the Act (Chap. 6), offences and penalties (Chap. 7), enforcement (Chap. 8), and transition to a new legal order in fire control (9). (38 sections)

Full text
English

References - Legislation

Implemented by

Fire Protection Association Regulations (No. R. 665 of 2003).

Legislation | South Africa | 2003

Keyword: Forestry protection measures, Forest fires, Non-governmental entity, Registration, Forest management/forest conservation

Source: FAO, FAOLEX