GSFPA Business Plan

441 SPRIGG STREET, PO BOX 973, STUTTERHEIM, 4930 TEL: +27 (0) 43 683 2031 WEB: HTTP://STUTTFPA.CO.ZA

BUSINESS PLAN 2015 - 2020

CONTENTS

1. SUMMARY ...... 4 2. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT ...... 5 3. SCOPE OF THE BUSINESS PLAN ...... 5 3.1 AREA ...... 5 3.2 PERIOD OF OPERATION ...... 5 4. CURRENT SITUATION IN THE GSFPA AREA ...... 5 4.1 BACKGROUND OF THE GREATER STUTTERHEIM FPA ...... 5 4.2 SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 6 4.3 ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ...... 6 4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS ...... 7 4.5 VELDFIRES IN THE GREATER STUTTERHEIM AREA ...... 7 4.5.1 VELDFIRES AND CLIMATE ...... 7 4.5.2 ORIGINS AND CAUSES OF VELDFIRES ...... 8 4.5.3 VEGETATION AND FIRE BEHAVIOUR ...... 8 4.5.4 VELDFIRE HISTORY ...... 9 4.5.5 VELDFIRES AND THEIR ROLE IN THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 9 4.6 LAWS APPLYING TO VELDFIRES IN THE GSFPA AREA ...... 9 4.7 CURRENT VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT ...... 10 4.8 ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF PAST VELDFIRES ...... 10 4.8.1 SOCIAL IMPACTS ...... 10 4.8.2 ECONOMIC IMPACTS ...... 10 4.8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 10 4.9 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING VELDFIRE RISK ...... 11 5. GSFPA VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ...... 11 5.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGY ...... 11 5.1.1 AIM ...... 11 5.2.2 CURRENT OBJECTIVES ...... 11 5.2 HAZARDS IDENTIFIED ...... 12 5.3 ASSETS DESCRIPTION & FIRE RISK EVALUATIONS ...... 12 5.3.1 SOCIAL ASSETS ...... 12 5.3.2 ECONOMIC ASSETS ...... 13 5.3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS ...... 15 5.4 RECOURSES FOR VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT ...... 16 5.4.1 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY ...... 16

5.4.2 PERSONNEL ...... 16 5.4.3 EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES ...... 17 5.4.4 COMMUNICATIONS ...... 17 5.4.5 SUPPORT FROM THE EASTERN CAPE UMBRELLA FPA ...... 17 5.5 VELDFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ...... 18 5.5.1 GENERAL STRATEGIES ...... 18 5.5.2 SPECIFIC ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES ...... 19 6. OPERATIONAL PLANS ...... 20 EXISTENCE OF OPERATIONAL PLANS ...... 20 7. ANNUAL REVIEW ...... 20 8. RULES OF THE GSFPA ...... 20 8.1 CHAPTER 4 OF THE NVFFA: FIREBREAKS ...... 20 8.1.1 RECOMMENDED FIREBREAK REQUIREMENTS ...... 20 8.1.2 EXEMPTIONS ...... 20 8.1.3 RULES FOR THE TIME OF PREPARATION ...... 21 8.1.4 RULES REGARDING THE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN NEIGHBOURS ...... 21 8.1.5 RULES REGARDING PROTECTION OF SOIL AND BIODIVERSITY ...... 21 8.2 CHAPTER 5 OF THE NVFFA: FIRE FIGHTING ...... 21 8.2.1 PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE) ...... 21 8.3 GENERAL RULES REGARDING THE USE OF FIRE ...... 22 8.4 FIRE PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS DURING HIGH FDI ...... 22 8.5 BY-LAWS FOR NON-MEMBERS ...... 22 9. FIRE PREPAREDNESS: MODERATE PERIODS ...... 22 9.1 CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING BURNING PERMITS ...... 23 9.2 REQUIREMENTS DURING SEASONS OF EARLY ONSET ...... 23 9.3 APPROPRIATE FIRE REGIMES FOR PRESCRIBED BURNING ...... 23 9.4 SMOKE MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL ...... 23 9.5 CATCHMENT PROTECTION ...... 23 9.10 MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS ...... 23 10. ENFORCEMENT ...... 24 11. AUTHORISATIONS AND APPROVALS ...... 24

1. SUMMARY

The Greater Stutterheim Fire Protection Association (hereinafter referred to as the GSFPA) was formed and registered with DAFF in 2009 in accordance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, 1998 (hereinafter referred to as the NVFFA)

The area of the GSFPA falls within the Amahlathi, Great Kei, Nkonkobe Local Municipalities as well as Buffalo City Metropolitan. It amounts to approximately 980,000 hectares. The association currently has approx. 210 members that jointly control about 220,000 hectares or about 22.5% of the total area of the GSFPA.

This business plan will apply for five years from 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2020.

The GSFPA area has a population of approximately 330,000 people. About 190,000 live in villages and other rural properties and of these about 18,000 are farmers, their employees and their families. The town of Stutterheim and surrounding townships like Mlungisi jointly have about 24,000 people living there permanently.

The Amathole DC disaster management committee identifies veldfires as an environmental risk in the area under its jurisdiction. Being a summer rainfall district, veldfires or wildfires occur mostly during the winter season when the passage of cold fronts cause strong North-Westerly winds and very low atmospheric humidity. Fires that flare up in such conditions often result in significant grazing, timber and structural damage as a well as injury and even loss of life.

The GSFPA area is primarily a rural economy, with commercial / industrial plantations, sawmills, stock farms and eco-tourism being the most important contributors to the local community. Veldfires pose a continuous threat to these crucial contributors.

The social-economic assets exposed to high risk of veldfire damage in the GSFPA area include, but are not limited to:

• Formal and informal settlements; • Farmsteads; • Resorts and recreational lodges; • Stock and game farms; • Plantations; • Sawmills; • Eskom and Telkom lines; • Cellular providers’ infrastructure; • National and regional roads that bisect the GSFPA area; • The property of Emergent Farmers.

The environmental assets exposed to high risk of veldfire damage include:

• Endangered, vulnerable and protected species such as the Samago Monkey; • Water catchments; • Indigenous forests; • Grass lands; • Wetlands.

The GSFPA aims to contribute to community and development by eliminating loss of life and human injury in veldfires by progressively reducing impacts on property and environmental values while promoting the useful role of veldfire.

This document sets out the plan for managing the risks applicable to veldfires in the GSFPA area. It also sets out the rules that members of the GSFPA are bound to observe according to the NVFFA.

2. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This is a strategic document that sets out the approach and plans of the Greater Stutterheim Fire Protection Association (GSFPA) to reduce and mitigate veldfire risks within the area.

3. SCOPE OF THE BUSINESS PLAN

3.1 AREA

The GSFPA is situated in the Amathole District Municipality. It covers most of the Amahlathi, Great Kei and Nkonkobe Local Municipalities and includes a portion of Buffalo City Metropolitan (BCM).

The Amahlathi, Great Kei and BCM sections of the GSFPA area are divided into the following cells:

Berlin; Bolo; Dohne; Gasela; Gonubie / Bluewater; Hogsback; Isidenge; Kei Mouth; Keiskamma; Lower Kei Road; Upper Kei Road; Kubusi; Matola; Quanti; Silvervale; Thomas River; Toise; Tyityaba.

The new addition of the Nkonkobe Local Municipality is yet to be divided into cells and FMU’s.

3.2 PERIOD OF OPERATION

This business plan will apply for a period of five years from 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2020.

4. CURRENT SITUATION IN THE GSFPA AREA

4.1 BACKGROUND OF THE GREATER STUTTERHEIM FPA

The GSFPA has been active in the area for 5 years. In this time the GSFPA area has more than doubled in size and has been working closely with the executive committee, “Working on Fire”, Local Municipalities, the GSFPA members and the Eastern Cape Umbrella FPA (ECUFPA) to:

• Establish the rules and regulations of the GSFPA which bind its members; • Elect a Fire Protection Officer (FPO) who has authority to enforce the rules and regulations of the GSFPA in accordance with the NVFFA;

• Employ an FPA General Manager (GM) to assist the FPO - through delegated authority in terms of the NVFFA - in managing the GSFPA; • Employ an FPA Regional Manager, based in Hogsback to assist the FPA GM and FPO – through delegated authority in terms of the NVFFA – in managing the GSFPA; • Establish effective Fire Management Units (FMU’s) in the Amahlathi and Great Kei LM’s; • Choose a Cell Leader for each cell / FMU to assist the FPA Manager with the micro- management of individual cells; • Establish 2 GSFPA managed “Working on Fire” bases in the area with a total of 3 active teams including: Stutterheim Alpha and Stutterheim Bravo, Hogsback; • Submit and comply to the administrative and coordinative function of the Eastern Cape Umbrella Fire Protection Association; • Achieve successful joint operations with the Eastern Cape Umbrella Fire Protection Association especially in terms of aerial support in the GSFPA area; • Since the passing of the NVFFA in 1998 and the establishment of the GSFPA in 2009, land owners in the area have taken a fresh look at fire management procedures and have been open to the implementation of the rules and regulation of the GSFPA;

Currently the GSFPA has approximately 210 members in its area that jointly control more that 220,000 hectares of the total area of the GSFPA.

4.2 SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The GSFPA area has a population of approximately 165,000 people. About 105,000 live in villages, farms and other rural properties and of these about 13,500 are employees and their families. The town of Stutterheim and surrounding townships like Mlungisi jointly have about 24,000 people living there permanently. Other towns in the GSFPA area include: Alice, Berlin, Bolo, Cintsa East, Dimbaza, Fort Beaufort, Gqunube, Haga-Haga, Hogsback, Kei Mouth, Kei Road, Keiskammahoek, Middledrift and Seymour.

Land reform is still in progress in the area and some properties are expected to change hands during the next few years. Unemployment levels remain high in the area and literacy skills are low.

The area has important cultural heritage including: • Vernacular centres of early white settlements; • Current ancestral and sacred places;

4.3 ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

The GSFPA area is primarily a rural economy, with the following as the largest contributions:

• INDUSTRIAL PLANTATION FORESTS: the approximately 15000 hectares of plantations generate revenues of about R30 million per year and support forest product industries in and around the GSFPA area; • STOCK FARMING: Intensive stock farming is practiced over an exceptional part of GSFPA area; • INDUSTRY: Sawmills and local craft and furniture factories generate more than R100 million per year; • TOURISM: This industry is being targeted as a major growth area due the scenic beauty of the region and the numerous outdoor activities on offer to tourists;

4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Amahlathi Integrated Development Plan (IDP) identifies the following environmental values that could be at risk because of veldfires:

• Water catchments; • Biodiversity of grasslands, wetlands and natural forests; • Value to ecotourism of the landscapes and scenery.

Its role as a water catchments is the most important environmental value of the of the Greater Stutterheim area. The land within this area forms the upper catchments of the Toise, Kubusi, Gubu Buffalo and the Keiskamma rivers and its tributaries, which - through storage in and distribution from various reservoirs - supply the water needed by irrigated agriculture, industry, towns and communities within the area downstream from the Greater Stutterheim.

The Second most valuable environmental asset is the store of biodiversity. The mountain grasslands of the Amatole Mountain Range incorporate many rare endemic plant species and several species of animals that characterise this environment, including Samago Monkeys and Tree Hyrax (Boom Dassies).

The third important environmental asset is the landscape and scenery of the area, characterised by:

• The rolling grasslands with many interspersed wetlands; • The upper escarpment of steep slopes, high cliffs and scattered indigenous forests; • The historical-cultural sites throughout the area.

Veldfires are an important part of the natural scene. Most species and habitats in the area are adapted to recurrent veldfires whilst indigenous forests do not stand fire and are protected by their locations. Both the use of fire in management and its exclusion have environmental consequences.

Invasive alien species of wattle, pine and eucalyptus have replaced the grassland communities in many places, especially in the grasslands along streams. These invasions suppress biodiversity and aggravate fire risks.

4.5 VELDFIRES IN THE GREATER STUTTERHEIM AREA

4.5.1 VELDFIRES AND CLIMATE

Veldfires occur mostly during winter, from about early May to late September, especially after the first frosts and before the first spring rains. During this period the winter climate and daily weather are dominated by two patterns:

• High-pressure cells that cause deep atmospheric inversions and which persist for periods of days resulting in relatively still air and moderate fire dangers. • Intermittent periods of one or two days when the passage of cold fronts to the south and east cause strong North / North-Westerly / Westerly winds and very low atmospheric humidity resulting in high and extreme fire danger conditions.

Veldfires are small and slow moving during the former, but grow and spread rapidly; burning with great heat release during the latter episodes. Under these conditions, fires entering plantation forests and stands of invasive trees quickly grow to conflagrations with crown fires.

4.5.2 ORIGINS AND CAUSES OF VELDFIRES

Lightning is the only natural cause of veldfires in the GSFPA area and occurs mainly in autumn and early spring. Human influences, however, goes back many generations and in most cases the fire can be directly linked to the human influence.

Currently the causes of fire are mainly:

• Escaped management burns caused by farmers preparing firebreaks; • Negligent burning of rubbish or picnic fires from the general public; • Road users starting fires next to the N6 highway; • Irresponsible and/or ignorant burning of grazing by traditional / emerging farmers; • Faults and badly maintained high-voltage ESKOM lines that run through the area; • In plantation forests, fires are often caused by various human activities within the forest, such as honey-hunting as well as various tools and appliances used by forest work teams; • Incendiarism and arson in various forms; • Lightning.

4.5.3 VEGETATION AND FIRE BEHAVIOUR

TABLE 1 below contains a description of the fire regime and fire behaviour in the main types of vegetation within the area of the GSFPA.

APPROX VEGETATION/ COVER FIRE REGIME FIRE BEHAVIOUR COVER TYPE %

THIS GRASSLAND BURNS AFTER THE FIRST FROST FIRES MOVE EXTREMELY MOUNTAIN UNTIL THE FIRST SUMMER RAIN, WHICH OFTEN 44 QUICKLY UPHILL IN GALE GRASSLAND ARRIVES LATE. PROTECTED BY SMALL SCALE, FORCE WINDS. “MOSAIC” BURNS.

TALL, HIGH INTENSITY HEAD THIS MIXED GRASS / WOODLAND BURNS AFTER THE FLAMES THAT MOVE MIDDEVELD TALL FIRST FROST UNTIL THE FIRST SUMMER RAIN. FIRES 20 EXTREMELY QUICKLY GRASS & WOODLAND OCCUR NATURALLY ONCE IN TWO TO THREE YEARS DURING DRY FRONTAL IN ANY PATCH OF VEGETATION. WEATHER.

SLOW MOVING FIRES UNDER FIRES DO NOT OCCUR REGULARLY IN THE MODERATE CONDITIONS, PLANTATION PLANTATION FORESTS. FIRES ARISE IN OR ENTER BUT DURING FRONTAL FORESTS – MAINLY 10 THE FOREST MAINLY IN WINTER. BIG FIRES OCCUR WEATHER EXTREMELY PINE DURING FRONTAL WEATHER. INTENSE CROWN FIRES ARE LIKELY.

FIRES OCCUR ONLY AFTER THE HARVEST, WHEN THE ANNUAL CROPS, RESIDUE FIRES BURN 5 CROP RESIDUES MAY BURN UNDER SEVERE MAINLY MAIZE SLOWLY WITH LOW FLAMES. FRONTAL WEATHER.

FIRES IN STANDS OF INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS INVASIVE ALIEN CROWN FIRES ARE THE 15 USUALLY OCCUR ONLY DURING SEVERE FRONTAL TREES RULE, WITH INTENSE HEAT. WEATHER.

INDIGENOUS LITTLE TO NO CHANCE OF FIRES UNLESS UNDER <1 - FORESTS VERY RARE, VERY INTENSE CONDITIONS

OTHER ORCHARDS & LITTLE TO NO CHANCE OF FIRES UNLESS UNDER 5 - GARDENS VERY RARE, VERY INTENSE CONDITIONS

4.5.4 VELDFIRE HISTORY

Veldfires have always been considerable in frequency and size in the GSFPA area; however, as the area has developed the fires have become a problematic hazard to life, property and the environment.

GSFPA keeps a record of all fires that are reported to or directly responded to by the GSFPA in order to identify and attend to “hot-spots” (areas in which wildfires occur most regularly).

TABLE 2 below shows the records of veldfires in the GSFPA area for the past 4 years.

YEAR TOTAL NO. > 500Ha > 1000Ha > 3000Ha 2011 99 1 0 0 2012 142 1 0 0

2013 289 10 7 3

2014 217 8 7 2

4.5.5 VELDFIRES AND THEIR ROLE IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Because veldfires are a historical element of the Greater Stutterheim environment, the natural biodiversity and ecosystems are adapted to the effects of fire. Grasslands recover quickly and native species of trees resist fire. Many animals are adapted to foraging during and after fires. If fire is excluded, the grass accumulates fuel and loses vigour so that when a fire does inevitably occur, it is intense, further degrades the grass community and exposes soil to erosion. In plantations, however, the intense fires that occur periodically expose the soil resulting in substantial erosion.

Air quality has become an important factor due to local urban and rural development. Veldfires are problematic because:

• They contribute to air pollution loads; • The resultant haze causes poor visibility degrading the quality of the environment for ecotourism; • Smoke results in poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions on national and regional roads.

The government pollution inspector has begun to apply air quality control regulations more strictly to veld burning operations.

4.6 LAWS APPLYING TO VELDFIRES IN THE GSFPA AREA

In addition to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act there are the following regulations, ordinances and by-laws that apply:

• Regulation 2 in terms of the Conservation of Agriculture Resources Act: Prevention and control of veldfires: This regulation requires any owner intending to burn veld for grazing to obtain a permit from the local Agricultural Extension Officer. • The Air Quality Act empowers the Air Pollution Control Officer to prohibit fires causing a nuisance. To date this provision has not been applied in the Greater Stutterheim area. • The Eastern Cape Conservation Act requires the protection of biodiversity and; • Municipal by-laws in terms of the Fire Brigade Services Act apply to the areas within declared townships and require homeowners to meet prescribed building standards with regards to fire protection.

4.7 CURRENT VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT

• Established cells and FMU’s (Fire Management Units) for which the GSFPA is in the process of writing Integrated Fire Management Plans to guide members to comply with specifically defined codes, regulations and strategies. • The enforcement of the rules and regulations of the GSFPA through the FPO as per the NVFFA. • Strategic firebreak analyses and placement in cells and FMU’s. • Areas of the Road Reserves will be burned with permission from SANRAL. • Every member of the GSFPA must ensure that he/she complies with the minimum requirements in terms of fire preparedness as set out by the GSFPA. • The Amathole Forestry Company has several lookouts in the area that act as an early warning system of any fires. • Through the assistance of the Eastern Cape Umbrella Association the GSFPA has at its disposal air support that include: o A national resource Spotter Plane; o A Huey Helicopter contracted by and dedicated to Amathole Forestry Company; o A national resource Huey Helicopter. • Through the assistance of the ECUFPA, GSFPA has started training in and implementing the Incident Command System (ICS) in veld and forest fire management.

4.8 ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF PAST VELDFIRES

4.8.1 SOCIAL IMPACTS

Loss of life, livelihood, livestock, injury as well as destroyed crops are not only devastating in effect, but easily lead to physiological trauma that can drain a community’s spirit.

4.8.2 ECONOMIC IMPACTS

Positive economic impacts of veldfires include the maintenance of pastures through maintaining a lawful and appropriate grassland/grazing fire regime.

Economic costs recorded recently include:

• Loss of pastures requiring expensive replacement by buying fodder or having to hire grazing for livestock; • Loss of livestock; • Loss of timber in plantation forests with disruption of downstream processing; • Interruption of power supplies on main ESKOM lines; • Interruption of communication through TELKOM lines; • Loss of homesteads and leisure resorts leading to a loss of income from eco-tourism.

4.8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Positive environmental impacts of veldfires include the maintenance of pastures through maintaining a lawful and appropriate grassland fire regime.

Negative environmental impacts arise from:

• High intensity fires in stands of invasive alien species and plantations; • Destruction of shelter belts; • Removal of vegetation from steep slopes can lead to erosion; • The spread of invasive alien plants through untimely veldfires.

4.9 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING VELDFIRE RISK

Members of the GSFPA have agreed on the following criteria, in order of importance, to evaluate veldfire risks and in so doing judge their acceptability and assign priorities:

1. Threat to life: NO death from a veldfire is acceptable; 2. Threat of injury to people; 3. Loss of livelihood; 4. Loss of shelter; 5. Financial loss and loss of economic activity; 6. Loss of catchment values; 7. Loss of natural species or habitats; 8. Spread of invasive alien plants.

5. GSFPA VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

5.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGY

5.1.1 AIM

The GSFPA aims to contribute to the development of communities by eliminating loss of life and human injury in veldfires and by progressively reducing impacts on property and environmental value while promoting the useful role of veldfires. The GSFPA, therefore, aims to always manage all high risks as soon as possible and intends on continuing to educate its members about better fire management.

5.2.2 CURRENT OBJECTIVES

• To continue to promote FPA membership as wide as possible in the area; • To achieve full compliance with the provisions of Chapters 4 and 5 of the NVFFA among all owners in the area; • To continue to maintain positive and professional relationships with Amothole District Municipality, Amahlathi LM, Nkonkobe LM and Buffalo City Metro; • To achieve a public that is better educated about veldfire management; • To assist members in veldfire suppression and strategies; • To implement Integrated Fire Management Plans for all FMU’s within 5 years; • To manage all extreme risks to the level of high and high risks to the level of moderate; • To continue to effectively implement aerial support measures through the ECUFPA; • To continue to comply with the administrative and coordinative function of the ECUFPA; • To achieve a significantly high level of ICS (Incident Command System) training among staff members in order to better manage all veldfires in the area.

5.2 HAZARDS IDENTIFIED

TABLE 3 lists and describes the main fire hazards in the area of the GSFPA. HAZARD DESCRIPTION IN EXTREME CONDITION i.e. DURING FRONTAL WEATHER, VELDFIRES ARE LIKELY TO BURN AREAS GRASSLAND FIRES THAT ARE NOT EARMARKED FOR MANAGED BURNS. ALSO, FAUNA ARE LIKELY TO SUFFER SIGNIFICANTLY GIVEN THE RATE AND INTENSITY OF BURNS. PLANTATION THE HIGH INTENSITY FIRES IN PLANTATION FORESTS RESULT IN THE COMPLETE REMOVAL OF FORESTS ABOVEGROUND VEGETATION AND STERILISING SOILS. INVASIVE ALIEN THE SAME AS IN THE CASE OF PLANTATION FORESTS, ALTHOUGH MORE STAGGERED IN SPECIES DISTRIBUTION.

STUTTERHEIM & THE ABUNDANCE OF FLAMMABLE FUELS (WOODEN HOUSES, THATCH ROOFS, GARDEN REFUSE, FUEL HOGSBACK DEPOTS, OVERGROWN PROPERTIES etc.) MAKE THE TOWNS OF HOGSBACK & STUTTERHEIM HAZARDS.

CROWDED HOUSING AND POOR ACCESS COUPLED TOGETHER WITH THE WIDESPREAD USE OF WOOD SURROUNDING STOVES & NAKED FLAMES FOR COOKING & HEATING MAKE TOWNSHIPS & SETTLEMENT AREAS ARE SETTLEMENTS HAZARDS TO THEMSELVES. HIGHWAYS AND IRRESPONSIBLE & IGNORANT ROAD USERS OFTEN CAUSE FIRES THAT UNDER HIGH / EXTREME PROVINCIAL CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN FAST SPREADING VELDFIRES. ROADS BURNING OF FIRE DURING THE TIME WHEN FIREBREAKS ARE PREPARED WINDS CAN BE VERY CHANGEABLE WHICH BREAKS OFTEN RESULT IN RUN AWAY FIRES.

ESKOM POWER FAULTY, POORLY MANAGED HIGH VOLTAGE ESKOM LINES HAVE BEEN THE PROVEN CAUSE OF A LINE NUMBER OF DISASTER FIRES IN PLANTATION FORESTS, INVASIVE ALIEN STANDS & IN GRASSLANDS.

5.3 ASSETS DESCRIPTION & FIRE RISK EVALUATIONS

5.3.1 SOCIAL ASSETS

TABLE 4 lists social assets relevant to people’s well being. ASSET LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK HAZARD GROUP ASSESSMENT RATING ASSESSMENT RATING RATING

GRASSLAND THE TOWN IS FIRES REASONABLY (EXTREME WELL PROTECTED LOSS OF CONDITIONS), WITH EFFECTIVE PROPERTY IS PLANTATIONS MANAGEMENT SIGNIFICANT: MEDIUM TO STUTTERHEIM UNLIKELY MODERATE FORESTS, PLANS IN PLACE. MODERATE RISK LOW INVASIVE THIS REDUCES THE OF INJURY DURING ALIEN TREES & LIKELIHOOD OF FIRE FIGHTING. THE TOWN IMPACT ON THE ITSELF. TOWN.

THE TOWN IS EXPOSED WITH EXTREME LITTLE TO NO CONDITIONS EFFECTIVE LOSS OF PLANTATION MANAGEMENT PROPERTY IS FORESTS, THE PLANS APART SIGNIFICANT WITH TOWN IS OVER FROM FORESTRY. VERY LIKELIHOOD OF HOGSBACK GROWN WITH THE OVERGROWN HIGH VERY HIGH LIKELY INJURY & UNDER INVASIVE PROPERTIES MAKE EXTREME ALIEN TREES ACCESSIBILITY CONDITIONS: ENCROACHING DIFFICULT & DEATH. ON THATCH INCREASES THE ROOFS. LIKELIHOOD OF IMPACT ON THE TOWN.

ASSET LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK HAZARD GROUP ASSESSMENT RATING ASSESSMENT RATING RATING GRASSLAND FIRES SIMILAR TO (EXTREME STUTTERHEIM, LOSS OF CONDITIONS), HOWEVER, ALL PROPERTY IS PLANTATIONS SHACKS ARE INFORMAL & SIGNIFICANT WITH FORESTS, MORE FIRE PRONE LIKELY MODERATE HIGH FORMAL A HIGH RISK OF INVASIVE & THERE ARE SETTLEMENTS INJURY DURING ALIEN TREES FEWER ROADS FIRE FIGHTING. & THE MAKING ACCESS SETTLEMENTS DIFFICULT. THEMSELVES. GRASSLAND ALTHOUGH THE FIRES EXTREME POSSIBILITY OF (EXTREME CONDITIONS THE LOSS OF FARMSTEADS CONDITIONS), OCCUR EVERY 2 POSSIBLE HOUSES & INJURY MODERATE HIGH & RESORTS PLANTATIONS YEARS, THE DURING FIRE FORESTS, HOMESTEADS ARE FIGHTING. INVASIVE WELL PROTECTED. ALIEN TREES. GRASSLAND SITES ARE FIRES GENERALLY QUITE (EXTREME EXPOSED & ARE HERITAGE CONDITIONS), LIKELY TO BURN LIKELY NO LOSS INSIGNIFICANT LOW SITES PLANTATIONS OFTEN BUT ARE FORESTS, PROTECTED BY INVASIVE THE OLD STONE ALIEN TREES. WALLS.

5.3.2 ECONOMIC ASSETS

TABLE 5 lists the assets with economic value. ASSET LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK HAZARD GROUP ASSESSMENT RATING ASSESSMENT RATING RATING MOST FARMS HAVE FIRE PROTECTION SUBSTANTIAL PLANS BUT LOSS OF PASTURE GRASSLAND HISTORICALLY REQUIRING STOCK FIRES EVERY THREE LIKELY PURCHASE OF MODERATE HIGH FARMS (EXTREME YEARS SEVERAL FODDER. CONDITIONS). FARMS ARE FREQUENT STOCK BURNED UNDER LOSSES. EXTREME CONDITIONS. GRASSLAND OCCUR EVERY FIRES ALMOST NO SIGNIFICANT YEAR ON MANY INSIGNIFICANT MEDIUM (AVERAGE CERTAIN LOSSES STOCK FARMS. CONDITIONS) FIRES ORIGINATING IN SUBSTANTIAL THE PLANTATION LOSS OF PASTURE PLANTATION FORESTS & ALIEN REQUIRING FORESTS & VEGETATION LIKELY PURCHASE OF MODERATE HIGH INVASIVE WOULD SPREAD FODDER. ALIEN TREES ONTO STOCK FREQUENT STOCK FARMS ONCE LOSSES. EVERY THREE TO FOUR YEARS.

ASSET LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK HAZARD GROUP ASSESSMENT RATING ASSESSMENT RATING RATING GIVEN THE PROTECTION ON AVERAGE 2000 GRASSLAND AFFORDED TO HA BURN PER FIRE, FIRES PLANTATION RESULTING IN (EXTREME FORESTS, MANY AROUND PLANTATION CONDITIONS), EXTREME LIKELY SIGNIFICANT CATASTROPHIC EXTREME FORESTS PLANTATIONS GRASSLAND FIRES FINANCIAL LOSS & FORESTS, ARE STOPPED BUT EXTREME DANGER INVASIVE A MAJOR FOR FIRE ALIEN TREES. PLANTATION FIRE FIGHTERS. IS LIKELY EVERY 5 YEARS. PLANTATIONS BURN ONLY ONCE IN 20 YEARS AS A GRASSLAND CONSEQUENCE OF LITTLE TO NO LOSS (AVERAGE FIRES UNLIKELY INSIGNIFICANT LOW OF TIMBER CONDITIONS) ORIGINATING IN GRASSLAND UNDER AVERAGE CONDITIONS. MANY ESTABLISHMENTS ARE PROTECTED, SOME EFFECTIVE GRASSLAND BUT, FIRE FIGHTING IN FIRES ENCROACHED PLACE BUT A HIGH (EXTREME UPON BY LIKELIHOOD OF GUEST CONDITIONS), PLANTATION SUBSTANTIAL LODGES & LIKELY HIGH HIGH PLANTATIONS FOREST & ALIEN / DAMAGE TO B&B’S FORESTS, INVASIVE TREES FACILITIES AND INVASIVE FROM WHICH EXTREME DANGER ALIEN TREES. FIRES CAN EASILY FOR FIRE SPREAD TO FIGHTERS. THATCH ROOFED BUILDINGS. LITTLE TO NO INDIGENOUS HIGHLY CHANCE OF NO DAMAGE NONE VERY LOW FORESTS UNLIKELY BURNING.

PROPERTIES HOMESTEADS & RISK OF LIFE & GRASSLAND OF FARM TOTAL LOSS OF (EXTREME POSSIBLE MAJOR HIGH EMERGENT REASONABLY PROPERTY IS CONDITIONS) FARMERS PROTECTED. HIGH. POWER DIPS AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SMOKE FROM FLASHOVERS WILL ANNUAL FIRES RESULT IN THAT OCCUR NEAR SIGNIFICANT THE ROUTE OF THE LOSSES TO GRASSLAND 32 KVA HIGH POWER LINE WILL INDUSTRIES OVER (EXTREME & ALMOST VOLTAGE RESULT IN A WIDE AREA. THE MODERATE HIGH AVERAGE CERTAIN POWER LINE “PHASE-TO- ADDITIONAL RISK CONDITIONS) GROUND” OF ELECTRICAL FLASHOVERS OR SHOCK DURING COMPLETE FIRE FIGHTING SHORTAGE. INCREASES THE CONSEQUENCE RATING

5.3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSETS TABLE 6 lists the environmental assets. ASSET LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE RISK HAZARD GROUP ASSESSMENT RATING ASSESSMENT RATING RATING GRASSLAND IS GRASSLAND POTENTIAL ARISES ADAPTED TO WATER (EXTREME & ALMOST EVERY TWO ANNUAL FIRES & IS MINOR MEDIUM CATCHMENTS AVERAGE CERTAIN YEARS. LIKELY TO CONDITIONS) RECOVER EASILY.

CONSEQUENCES FOR THE CATCHMENTS ARE SEVERE: LOSS OF PLANTATION VEGETATION, SOIL FORESTS, WILL OCCUR LIKELY STERILISATION & MAJOR EXTREME INVASIVE EVERY 5 YEARS. LOSS OF ALIEN TREES. CATCHMENT FUNCTIONING. RECOVERY WOULD TAKE 40+ YEARS

MANY SPECIES ARE FIRE ADAPTED, BUT INCREASED FREQUENCY WILL RESULT IN LOCAL GRASSLAND WILL OCCUR DEGRADATION. FIRES ALMOST WETLANDS EVERY TWO FIRE EXCLUSION MODERATE HIGH (EXTREME CERTAIN YEARS. RESULTS IN CONDITIONS) FEWER, MORE INTENSE WILDFIRES & IN PEAT FIRES WITH LONG TERM DAMAGE HIGH INTENSITY FIRES WILL MAY OCCUR INVASIVE RESULT IN SEVERE OCCASIONALLY IN ALIEN POSSIBLE LOCAL IMPACTS, MAJOR HIGH EXCEPTIONAL SPECIES REQUIRING CONDITIONS. SEVERAL YEARS TO RECOVER GIVEN THE FIRE LOCALISED LOSS RETARDANT GRASSLAND OF SMALL FOREST NATURE OF INDIGENOUS FIRES PATCHES, ONLY FORESTS, FIRES RARE MODERATE LOW FORESTS (EXTREME REQUIRING A FEW WOULD ONLY CONDITIONS) YEARS TO PENETRATE ONCE RECOVER IN 40+ YEARS LOSS OF LARGE OCCURS ONLY PORTIONS OF PLANTATION UNDER FORESTS, FORESTS AND EXCEPTIONAL DESTRUCTION OF INVASIVE RARE MAJOR MEDIUM CIRCUMSTANCES HABITAT. WOULD ALIEN TREE & OCCURS VERY REQUIRE SEVERAL SPECIES. RARELY. YEARS TO RECOVER. IMPACT IS PATCHES OF ALIEN LOCALISED AND PLANTATION TREES ARE WOULD RESULT IN RARE AND FORESTS & ISOLATED & VERY LOCALISED ENDEMIC UNLIKELY MODERATE MEDIUM INVASIVE WOULD BURN IN LOSS OF SPECIES, PLANTS ALIEN TREES. EXCEPTIONAL REQUIRING A FEW CONDITIONS. YEARS TO RECOVER. GRASSLAND FIRES OCCURS LIKELY LITTLE IMPACT INSIGNIFICANT LOW (EXTREME FREQUENTLY CONDITIONS)

TABLE 7 lists the risk management priorities in the GSFPA. RISK PRIORITY ASSET HAZARDS CLASS GRASSLANDS (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, PLANTATION FORESTS INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. EXTREME 1 WATER CATCHMENTS PLANTATION FORESTS, INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. FIRE VULNERABLE & GRASSLAND FIRES (AVERAGE AND EXTREME CONDITIONS). PROTECTED SPECIES GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, STOCK FARMS INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. HIGH VOLTAGE GRASSLAND FIRES (AVERAGE AND EXTREME CONDITIONS). POWER LINE RECREATIONAL GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, LODGES INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. HIGH 2 EMERGENT FARMERS GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS) ALL SETTLEMENTS GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, INCL. HOGSBACK INVASIVE ALIEN TREES & THE SETTLEMENTS THEMSELVES. FARMSTEADS & GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, RESORTS INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. WETLANDS GRASSLANDS (EXTREME CONDITIONS), INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES. STOCK FARMS GRASSLAND (AVERAGE CONDITIONS). GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, STUTTERHEIM INVASIVE ALIEN TREES & THE TOWN ITSELF. WATER CATCHMENTS GRASSLAND FIRES (AVERAGE AND EXTREME CONDITIONS). MEDIUM 3 FIRE VULNERABLE & PLANTATIONS FORESTS & INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES. PROTECTED SPECIES INDIGENOUS FORESTS PLANTATIONS FORESTS & INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES. RARE & ENDEMIC INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES. PLANTS PLANTATION FORESTS GRASSLAND (AVERAGE CONDITIONS) GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS), PLANTATION FORESTS, HERITAGE SITES INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. LOW 4 RARE & ENDEMIC GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS) PLANTS INDIGENOUS FORESTS GRASSLAND (EXTREME CONDITIONS

5.4 RECOURSES FOR VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT

5.4.1 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

The GSFPA has been formed through the combination of the skills and experience of owners who have a history of collaboration. This provided the GSFPA with a strength that is supported by proven management and administrative experience coupled with simple but effective office systems. The GSFPA has the support of a committed Executive Committee and technical and logistical support from the Stutterheim Fire Service, which however cannot provide personnel and/or equipment.

5.4.2 PERSONNEL

The GSFPA has at its disposal:

• An experienced FPO (Fire Protection Officer); • A dedicated FPA General Manager; • A dedicated FPA Regional Manager in Hogsback; • An experienced financial and administrative team; • 3 x WoF ground teams consisting of 27 members each; • Several lookouts in the area; • Majority of farmers have some fire fighting experience or even training; • Access to support and ICS consultation through the ECUFPA.

5.4.3 EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

Currently the GSFPA can rely on the following equipment:

• 2 x WoF 4x4 tenders each equipped with a 2 000 litre tank and pump along with standard knapsack pumps, fire beaters, drip torches and rake hoes for ground teams; • 1 x WoF personnel carrier bus for transporting ground teams; • A 4x4 bakkie equipped with a 500 litre tank and pump; • Access - through the ECUFPA - to 2 x Huey Helicopters, each equipped with 1300 litre Bamby bucket, and a spotter plane; • 1 x telemetric automatic weather station to SAWS standards; • A strategically located, fully equipped and functioning office in Stutterheim; • 75% of members have at their disposal a “bakkiesakkie”, standard knapsack pumps, fire beaters, drip torches and rake hoes.

5.4.4 COMMUNICATIONS

The GSFPA and its members can currently rely on the following communications systems:

• Fully functional ADSL Wi-Fi access at the GSFPA office; • Standard land-line telephones • Cell phones, for which there is complete coverage; • 2 x mid-band handheld radios and 2 x mid-band mobile stations; • 5 x high-band handheld radios and 1 x high-band mobile station; • 1 x air-band handheld radio; • Access to the ECUFPA repeater station on Dohne Peak; • Access to various Amathole Forestry Company and Rance Timber repeater stations in the GSFPA area; • Two way radio communication with Working on Fire and several of the bordering FPA’s; • The farmers’ NEARNET radio-network; • Telephone and cell phone communication with Fire Brigade Services. • Various methods of electronic communication and social networking including: o A functional website with access to various documentation resources for members; o Mass communication of weather reports, newsletters, warnings etc. through bulk messaging and automated email servers; o An interactive Facebook page.

5.4.5 SUPPORT FROM THE EASTERN CAPE UMBRELLA FPA

The GSFPA is in constant closes correspondence with the ECUFPA, who are located in the same office complex. The GSFPA values the input and guidance of the ECUFPA who carry out their administrative and coordinative function professionally and effectively.

Through the support of the ECUFPA, GSFPA has access to:

• Areal support including (but not limited to) o 1 x Huey Helicopters equipped with 1 300 litre Bamby Buckets; o 1 x Spotter plane; o 1 x Air Tractor AT802 Bomber with 3000L capacity (contracted by AFC) • ICS training through ICS South Africa in association with FFA; • Effective correspondence and coordination with bordering FPA’s in the event of a fire crossing boundaries;

• A dedicated ECUFPA Planning Officer that can assist and train the GSFPA in basic to advanced GIS mapping interfaces; • Knowledge and experience of the collective ECUFPA body; • Financial aid from WoF for Base Managers: obtained and administrated by ECUFPA; • Membership from large cross-boundary government entities such as SANRAL, ESKOM etc.

5.5 VELDFIRE RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

5.5.1 GENERAL STRATEGIES

• EDUCATION & AWARENESS: it is the intention of GSFPA to ensure that all members and their staff are adequately educated about all aspects of extinguishing veldfires and the safety procedures thereof. The GSFPA also continuously strives to achieve maximum compliance with the rules and regulations from its members in order to reduce ignitions and achieve optimum self-protection.

• PRESCRIBED FIRE FOR ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT: The grassland habitats require an approximate 2-year burning regime during the late summer and early spring to maintain its condition and biodiversity. To protect environmental assets through optimum application of planned fire, the GSFPA will promote the desired fire regime. Should any member wish to burn veld for the purpose of improving biodiversity or controlling alien invaders they need to conform to the standards stipulated by the GSFPA rules and regulations.

• IMPROVED VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT ON NON-MEMBERS’ PROPERTIES: The GSFPA works with the authorities to promote compliance with the requirements of the NVFFA among non-members. At the same time, by emphasising the benefits of membership, the GSFPA continues to recruit new members.

• INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT PLANS: The GSFPA has developed a number of IFMP’s for cells in the area. These IFMP’s contain specific codes and standards that have been applied in their formulation and implementation. It is the commitment of the GSFPA to see that all Cells and FMU’s have IFMP’s in accordance with their specific needs and area within the next 5-year period.

These plans incorporate both fire protection and the use of prescribed burning and are built upon the principles of ICS, making them universally understandable and accessible. The plans include:

• Wildfire prevention plans; • Wildfire history and known weather patterns; • Wildfire preparedness plans; o Specifications for levels of preparedness of different fire danger ratings, including stand-by of aerial response resources; • Fire suppression plans, including: o Definition of conditions determining levels of response under different fire danger ratings; o Rules for escalating the incident command; • Recovery plans; • Compliance with Chapters 4 and 5 of the NVFFA; • Compliance with the rules of the GSFPA; • Simple and effective communications breakdown specific to the area.

5.5.2 SPECIFIC ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES

TABLE 8 lists the details of risk management strategies for extreme risks. ASSET HAZARD RISK MANAGEMENT OPTIONS AVOID THE RISK: LIMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PLANTATIONS IN AREAS WHICH ARE AT GREATER RISK (STEEP, NORTH FACING SLOPES). REDUCE THE HAZARDS: ENCOURAGE EFFECTIVE MANAGED BURNS OF THE GRASSLAND ABUTTING PLANTATIONS & REDUCE / ELIMINATE BIOMASS OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES.

ASSET PROTECTION: CREATE & MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE FIREBREAKS; IMPROVE FIRE-FIGHTING ACCESS IN & AROUND PLANTATIONS

REDUCE IGNITIONS: MAINTAIN STANDARD FIRE PROTECTION PLANS GRASSLAND (EXTREME THROUGHOUT ALL FOREST MANAGEMENT UNITS AS PART OF IFMP’s; APPLY PLANTATION CONDITIONS), FORESTS PLANTATION FORESTS, FIRE BANS & FIRE RESTRICTION RULES STRICTLY; PROMOTE FUEL MANAGEMENT WITHIN PLANTATIONS; MONITOR & MANAGE ACTIVITIES INVASIVE ALIEN TREES AROUND THE FORESTS DURING HIGH-RISK PERIODS.

REDUCE CONSEQUENCES: ENSURE THAT EFFECTIVE VELDFIRE FIGHTING MEASURES ARE IN PLACE IN ORDER TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY & LOSS OF PROPERTY.

MANAGE RESIDUAL RISK: IMPLEMENT IFMP’s STRICTLY; ENSURE FPA-LEVEL AND UFPA-LEVEL FIRE SUPPRESSION PLANS GIVE PRIORITY TO THE PLANTATION FOREST AREAS. RISK TRANSFER: ENSURE ADEQUATE INSURANCE. AVOID THE RISK: N/A REDUCE THE HAZARDS: REDUCE BIOMASS OF INVASIVE ALIEN VEGETATION; REDUCE SMALL SCALE HAZARDS (ROAD VERGES, SPOORNET PROPERTY).

ASSET PROTECTION: ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BETTER PROTECTION MEASURES LIKE WELL MAINTAINED FIREBREAKS & ENSURING THAT PROPERTIES ABUTTING PLANTATION FORESTS APPLY THE SAME VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT STANDARDS.

REDUCE IGNITIONS: ENSURE THAT ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA SUCH AS HIKERS; FLY-FISHING ENTHUSIASTS; DEPT. ROAD WORKS & SPOORNET TEAMS ARE CAREFULLY MONITORED DURING HIGH FIRE RISK PERIODS; SUSPEND WATER PLANTATION FORESTS, PRESCRIBED BURNING DURING HIGH-RISK PERIODS. CATCHMENTS INVASIVE ALIEN TREES. REDUCE CONSEQUENCE: ACTIVELY EMPLOY COMMUNITY EDUCATION & PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAMMES REGARDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES OF CATCHMENTS & IN SO DOING INCREASE THE GENERAL AWARENESS OF THE RISK OF FIRE; ENSURE THAT VELDFIRE FIGHTING STRATEGIES ARE IN PLACE. ACCEPT RESIDUAL RISK: DEVELOP COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE REGION. ENSURE THAT ALL LANDOWNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS ARE AWARE OF MANAGEMENT STANDARDS. DEVELOP & IMPLEMENT AN EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR RESIDENTS WITHIN THE CATCHMENT AREA WHICH HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY CATCHMENT, THE EFFECTS OF POOR VELDFIRE MANAGEMENT & PROMOTES AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF APPROPRIATE FIRE REGIMES AVOID THE RISK: N/A REDUCE THE HAZARD: ENSURE THAT CORRECT VELDFIRE REGIMES ARE APPLIED DURING MANAGED BURNS. ASSET PROTECTION: PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS REGARDING THE SPECIFIC FIRE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FIRE REGIMES & THE SURVIVAL REQUIREMENTS OF VULNERABLE GRASSLAND FIRES THREATENED SPECIES. PROTECTED (AVERAGE & EXTREME SPECIES: CONDITIONS) REDUCE IGNITIONS: SUSPEND FIRE GENERATING ACTIVITIES ON DAYS OF WATTLED FIRE DANGER. CRANE REDUCE CONSEQUENCE: N/A ACCEPT RESIDUAL RISK: DEVELOP COOPERATIVE DETECTION, RESPONSE NETWORKS & PLANS. HAVE FIRE SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENT ON STANDBY FOR RAPID ATTACK.

6. OPERATIONAL PLANS

EXISTENCE OF OPERATIONAL PLANS

In the area of GSFPA as a whole, the operational plans include the following:

• Fire protection plan; • Fire preparedness plan; • Fire suppression plan; • Fire recovery plan; • Plan for coordinating with neighbouring FPA’s; • Plan for support from the ECUFPA; • Plan for investigation, records and reporting; • Plan for upgrading and resources.

These operational plans identify agencies responsible for implementing the veldfire management strategy.

7. ANNUAL REVIEW

The FPO will present an annual review of the business plan with proposals for amendments, if any, to the AGM of the GSFPA. This annual review will:

• Evaluate the progress of achieving the objectives of the GSFPA; • Report and analyse changes to the GSFPA with regards to membership; • Evaluate and investigate the incidence and consequences of wildfire and make decisions relevant to the veldfire management strategy; • Report on investigations of major disaster wildfires; • Evaluate the progress of the prosecution and rehabilitation of members of the public causing fire through arson or negligence.

Once approved by the AGM of the GSFPA, the Chairperson will submit this document as his annual report to the minister.

8. RULES OF THE GSFPA

8.1 CHAPTER 4 OF THE NVFFA: FIREBREAKS

8.1.1 RECOMMENDED FIREBREAK REQUIREMENTS Strategic firebreaks as decided the FPO / FPA Manager and landowners.

8.1.2 EXEMPTIONS Any exemptions that are deemed motivatable by the FPO will be submitted for permission from the minister and DAFF in accordance with the NFVVA.

8.1.3 RULES FOR THE TIME OF PREPARATION Where firebreaks are to be burnt or mowed, the preparations are not to begin before the first hard frosts and must be completed by July 31st of every year.

8.1.4 RULES REGARDING THE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN NEIGHBOURS When preparing firebreaks by burning, neighbours must meet the requirements of Section 2 of the NVFFA. No further requirements are necessary.

8.1.5 RULES REGARDING PROTECTION OF SOIL AND BIODIVERSITY If a firebreak is prepared by any other method than by burning, the land owner should consult Nature Conservation about the possible presence of rare and endangered species within the firebreak and agree on such reasonable measures as may be necessary to protect those species if they do occur.

8.2 CHAPTER 5 OF THE NVFFA: FIRE FIGHTING

TABLE 9 lists the recommended equipment in relation to land use and size. 5L LAND FIRST MOBILE 1000L 500L FIRE KNAP DRIP RAKE CELL LAND USE AREA AID RADIO TRAILER BAKKIE BEATERS SACK TORCHES HOES PHONES HA KITS SETS PUMPS SAKKIES PUMPS 1-100 1-5 1-2 - - 1 1 1 - - 101- 5-10 2-4 1 - 1 1 1 1 - MIXED 500 501- 10-20 4-10 1 1-20 2 1 3 1 2 1000 1001- STOCK & 20-40 10-20 2 20-40 2 1 4 2 2 5000 CROP 5001- FARMS 40-100 20-40 2 40-100 2-5 1 8 4 4 10000 1001- 40 20 2 40 2 1 4 2 2 PLANATION 5000 FORESTS 5001- 100 40 2 100 5 1 8 4 (5000L) 4 10000

TABLE 10 lists the recommended certified fire-fighting personnel in relation to land size. LAND USE & SIZE HA FIRE FIGHTERS CREW LEADER FIRE BOSS / IC 3 1-25 2 1 - 26-100 4 1 - 101-500 9 1 - ALL LAND USES 501-1000 19 1 - 1001-4000 30 2 1 4001-10000 100 5 1

8.2.1 PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Any person involved in fire fighting must be equipped with:

• One pyrovatex flameproof overall; • A 100% cotton t-shirt as under-layer; • One pair of ankle-length leather boots; • One fireman’s helmet with a heat shield visor.

8.3 GENERAL RULES REGARDING THE USE OF FIRE

PICNIC AND CAMP FIRES: May be lit only in a permanently constructed fireplace surrounded by ground that is clear of all combustible matter for a distance of at least 2 metres and may not be left unattended until entirely extinguished.

SMOKING: No person may drop or throw any lighted cigarette, match or anything burning. No person may light or carry a lighted cigarette or match within 5 metres of any stacks of grain, hay or straw, any standing crops, dry grass, crop residue or plantation slash.

PRESCRIBED BURNING, INCLUDING THE BURNING OF FIREBREAKS: Owners intending to conduct a prescribed burn or to burn a firebreak must obtain a Burning Permit from the GSFPA. Owners who wish to burn outside of the season on a day that is predicted to have a moderate to high FDI shall also require a Burning Permit.

Owners are required to notify their neighbours and GSFPA on the day that they intend to light any fire and to be aware of weather forecasts and changeability, as well as to make sure that all fires are supervised for their entire duration whilst observing the conditions of their Burning Permits.

8.4 FIRE PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS DURING HIGH FDI

HIGH FIRE DANGER – TOTAL FIRE BAN

If the S.A. Weather Bureau forecasts a high fire danger on either radio or television according to the requirements of the NVFFA the following will apply:

• A total fire ban will apply from midnight at the start of the day until further notice; o This includes incinerations, garden refuse and braais that use solid wood and/or charcoal; • Gas or electric braais may be used only under the supervision of an adult and only: o On an erf within 20m of the house or dwelling and in an area with FPA approval; o If the ground within 3m of the braai/BBQ is cleared of all materials that could burn; o There is a continuous supply of water available.

8.5 BY-LAWS FOR NON-MEMBERS

Municipal by-laws in terms of the Fire Brigade Services Act applies within any compound or township and requires home owners to meet with acceptable building standards with regards to fire protection and to keep their erfs clear of flammable material within 10 metres of any structure.

9. FIRE PREPAREDNESS: MODERATE PERIODS

The period of moderate fire danger includes the period prior to and after the fire prohibition period which, generally, extends from the beginning of August to the end of October, but can vary dependant on early / late spring rains and / or early / late winter droughts.

9.1 CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING BURNING PERMITS

Burning permits are issued by FPO / FPA Manager(s) at their own discretion and only if the landowner in question meets the requirements of (a) The NVFFA and (b) The Rules and Regulations of the GSFPA.

9.2 REQUIREMENTS DURING SEASONS OF EARLY ONSET

In any year when the winter drought sets in early, as confirmed by the level of the Drought Index, the FPO may choose to enforce the fire prohibition at an earlier date. Likewise, if the spring rains arrive early, the FPO may, at his discretion, lift the prohibition at an earlier date.

9.3 APPROPRIATE FIRE REGIMES FOR PRESCRIBED BURNING

Grasslands are not to be burnt more often than once every two years and must be burned during the summer months. All forest plantation prescribed burns must adhere to forestry standards and norms of prescribed burning.

9.4 SMOKE MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL

Members who have received burning permits are expected to take action to ensure that smoke does not cross any National or Regional road – if it can be helped. In cases where it is inevitable (the legal burning of road reserves for example), members are to take the proper precautions in managing traffic in the area such as:

• Ensuring that the traffic department are notified and, if possible, present at the time of the burn; • Ensuring that the appropriate warning signs / lights / personnel are in place to communicate the danger and adjusted speed-limit for the duration of the burn;

Members must ensure that smoke does not cause problems with their neighbours and their livestock.

9.5 CATCHMENT PROTECTION

The GSFPA ensures that, where possible, all environmental laws and rules are adhered to.

9.10 MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS

Members who have problems with invader plants will be encouraged to use fire to alleviate this problem and should apply for the appropriate Burning Permit. The GSFPA makes use of WoF teams to assist members, where requested, in the clearing, burning and spraying of invasive alien trees and plants.

10. ENFORCEMENT

The following people are responsible for enforcing the rules of the NVFFA and the by-laws affecting the use of fire. They are responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the GSFPA as applied in its registered area:

1. The Fire Protection Officer; 2. The FPA Manager who has the delegated powers of the FPO excluding powers of search, seizure and arrest (as per the NVFFA); 3. The Chairperson; 4. Any delegated person such as cell leaders; 5. Traffic Officers; 6. SAPS Officers.

11. AUTHORISATIONS AND APPROVALS

THIS BUSINESS PLAN HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE GREATER STUTTERHEIM FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION ITS MEETING ON:

THE DAY OF 2015

AND THE MEMBERS, IN SO DOING, HAVE COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO MEETING THE DUTIES OF THE ASSOCIATION AS SET OUT IN THIS BUSINESS PLAN AND TO FOLLOWING THE RULES ADOPTED BY THE ASSOCIATION.