Fire danger ratings are often displayed on weather news, and in our South African winter where wildfires can often run rampant, it is of particular importance to take note of these fire danger ratings. This article explores the necessary precautionary steps to take in response to these fire danger ratings. 

Chapter 3 of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, Act 101 of 1998 (“Act”), provides for the prevention of veldfires through a fire danger rating system. Section 9(1) of the Act provides that the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, must prepare and maintain on a continuous basis a fire danger rating system for the entire country in consultation with the South African Weather Bureau and Fire Protection Associations.  

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ fire danger rating system for general information in terms of Section 9 (1) of the Act was gazetted in Notice 1099 of 2013. This publication provides an exposition of the fire danger rating, and it provides for the official colours of the fire danger rating model, consisting of five official colours, namely Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. These colours specifically rate the danger level and categories of the likelihood of fires occurring in a given area, ranging from Blue (low) to Red (extremely dangerous). 

The fire danger ratings are not only important because they forewarn the public about how dangerous a fire could be, if one started, but fire danger ratings are also important because it assists the public with deciding what actions need to be taken prior to a fire starting. 

The prevention and preparedness measures associated with the various fire danger ratings are as follows:  

Blue Rating
The blue fire danger rating, for which the danger rating is insignificant, contains no preventative and/or preparedness measures. 

Green Rating
The green fire danger rating, for which the danger rating is low, prescribes for reasonable precautionary measures to be taken against fires from spreading. During this rating, fires including prescribed burns may be lit, used or maintained in the open air, on the condition that persons making fires take reasonable precautions against the fires spreading. 

Yellow Rating
The yellow fire danger rating, for which the danger rating is moderate, prescribes that no fires are allowed in the open air during this rating, unless those authorised by the fire protection officer, the chief fire-officer of the local fire service and/or unless it is a fire in a designated fireplace. 

Orange Rating
The orange fire danger rating, for which the danger rating is high, prescribes that no fires are allowed in the open air during this rating.  

Red Rating
The red fire danger rating, for which the danger rating is high-extreme, prescribes that NO fires may be allowed under any circumstances in the open air. Fire Protection Associations and municipal Disaster Management Centres must invoke contingency fire emergency and disaster management plans including extraordinary readiness and response plans.   

By understanding fire danger ratings and adhering to guidelines for lighting fires outdoors, everyone can play a crucial role in preventing and preparing for veld fires. Our legal expert in veld fires, Eldon Ward, emphasises the importance of compliance with fire danger warnings and prescribed measures. Together, we can enhance our community's safety and resilience against the threat of wildfires. 


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