📊IFMS

Integrated Fire Management Strategy
North Eastern Free State Fire Protection Association (NEFSFPA)

1. Executive Summary

Purpose of the Strategy

The Integrated Fire Management (IFM) Strategy for the North Eastern Free State Fire Protection Association (NEFSFPA) serves as a guideline for all roleplayers, including landowners, fire protection officers, government agencies, and emergency services. It defines their roles and responsibilities in managing veldfires, ensuring compliance with legislation, and fostering collaboration. This strategy aligns with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (1998) and anticipates compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Act (2023) once in force.

Key Objectives

  1. Fire Prevention & Preparedness – Responsibilities for risk assessment, firebreaks, and compliance enforcement.
  2. Rapid & Efficient Fire Suppression – Roles in detection, response coordination, and resource mobilization.
  3. Ecological Fire Management – Guidelines for sustainable land use and controlled burns.
  4. Stakeholder Collaboration & Legal Compliance – Defined duties for landowners, municipalities, and FPAs.
  5. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement – Framework for post-fire recovery and adaptive management.

2. Roles & Responsibilities of Key Stakeholders

2.1 Fire Protection Association (FPA) Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain an effective FPA with clear governance.
  • Monitor compliance with firebreak regulations and landowner responsibilities.
  • Provide guidance and support for fire prevention and suppression efforts.
  • Coordinate with local and provincial authorities for disaster response.
  • Ensure annual fire risk assessments and mapping are conducted.

2.2 Landowner Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain firebreaks as required by law.
  • Ensure adequate fire suppression resources on their properties.
  • Report fires immediately to the FPA or fire services.
  • Participate in FPA activities and adhere to the Fire Management Plan.
  • Allow access to fire response teams when necessary.

2.3 Local & District Municipal Fire Services

  • Support FPAs with fire suppression resources and expertise.
  • Coordinate emergency responses and enforce local bylaws on fire prevention.
  • Assist in public awareness campaigns on fire safety.

2.4 Working on Fire (WoF) & Disaster Management Authorities

  • Provide trained personnel and aerial firefighting support where needed.
  • Develop and implement fire risk reduction strategies at regional levels.
  • Ensure proper reporting and documentation of fire incidents.

2.5 Government Departments & State Institutions

  • Provide funding and support for fire prevention initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with the NVFFA and other relevant legislation.
  • Support enforcement measures for landowners and municipal authorities.

3. Implementation Framework: Key Components of IFM

3.1 Fire Prevention & Preparedness

  • Risk Assessments & Fire Mapping – Identify high-risk areas and implement mitigation measures.
  • Firebreaks & Fuel Load Reduction – Responsibilities of landowners, FPAs, and municipalities.
  • Early Warning Systems – Fire danger rating monitoring and communication.
  • Public Awareness & Training – Education programs for landowners and communities.

3.2 Fire Detection & Rapid Response

  • Incident Command System (ICS) – Structure for emergency coordination.
  • Emergency Response Protocols – Defined roles for FPAs, landowners, and fire services.
  • Integration with Fire Agencies – Support from WoF, municipalities, and SAPS where required.

3.3 Post-Fire Recovery & Ecological Management

  • Rehabilitation of Burned Areas – Landowner responsibilities for environmental restoration.
  • Sustainable Fire Use – Guidelines for controlled burns and fuel load management.

4. Seasonal Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Post-Fire Season (Starts when “NEFSFPA Announce end of Fire Season” and ends 1 February)

  • FPAs and municipalities conduct damage assessments.
  • Landowners update firebreaks and compliance records.
  • Disaster Management authorities review fire statistics and risk maps.

Phase 2: Prep Season (1 February – 1 May)

  • FPAs conduct member training and compliance checks.
  • Local fire services test emergency response systems.
  • Landowners maintain firebreaks and prepare firefighting equipment.

Phase 3: Firebreak Season (1 May – 1 August)

  • FPAs enforce firebreak regulations and ensure fire-readiness.
  • Landowners finalize firebreaks and reduce fuel loads.
  • Fire services conduct suppression training and readiness assessments.

Phase 4: Fire Season (Starts 1 August until NEFSFPA announces end of Fire Season)

  • 24/7 fire monitoring and rapid response initiated.
  • Fire suppression operations coordinated between FPAs, municipalities, and WoF.
  • Fire incident reporting and compliance enforcement conducted.

5. Monitoring & Enforcement Mechanisms

  • Regular compliance checks by FPAs and local authorities.
  • Fire incident reporting and legal action against non-compliant landowners.
  • Data collection on fire occurrences to improve risk assessments.
  • Annual review of the IFM Strategy based on feedback and legislative updates.

6. Conclusion & Next Steps

  • Ensure all roleplayers understand and fulfill their responsibilities.
  • Develop a structured compliance enforcement framework.
  • Engage stakeholders in the continuous improvement of fire management practices.

This Integrated Fire Management Strategy serves as an operational guide for all involved in veldfire management. By defining clear responsibilities, ensuring compliance, and fostering collaboration, it aims to reduce fire risks and enhance regional resilience.

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