Understanding the Roles of NEFSFPA and Working on Fire for Landowners in Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela

Landowners within the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela Local Municipal Areas often encounter confusion regarding the distinct roles of the North Eastern Free State Fire Protection Association (NEFSFPA) and Working on Fire (WoF). This confusion is understandable, particularly given the frequent visibility of Working on Fire teams actively responding to wildfire incidents. This report aims to clarify the separate purposes, responsibilities, and benefits that NEFSFPA and WoF offer to landowners in this region, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences for effective wildfire management and adherence to legal requirements.

The Role and Legal Mandate of Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) in South Africa

The management of veldfires in South Africa is primarily governed by the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA), Act 101 of 1998.¹ A fundamental principle of this legislation is that landowners bear the responsibility for preventing and extinguishing veldfires on their own properties.¹ The Act outlines specific duties for landowners, including the preparation and maintenance of firebreaks, ensuring they possess the necessary firefighting equipment and trained personnel, and taking all reasonable precautions to prevent the occurrence and spread of fires.² Furthermore, the NVFFA introduces the concept of “presumption of negligence.” This means that if a wildfire starts on a landowner’s property and causes damage to others, the landowner is presumed to have been negligent unless they can prove otherwise or if they are a member of a Fire Protection Association (FPA) in the area where the fire occurred.⁹ In the latter case, the burden of proof shifts to the claimant to demonstrate negligence on the part of the FPA member. This legal framework underscores the significant obligations placed upon individual landowners in managing the risk of veldfires.

Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) are statutory organizations established under the NVFFA to facilitate a collective approach to managing wildfire risks within a specific area.⁴ It is crucial to understand that FPAs are not merely firefighting clubs; they have a legal mandate to manage veldfire risk in an integrated manner. This encompasses a range of activities, including the prediction, prevention, management, and suppression of wildfires, with suppression being just one component of this broader mandate.⁴ The proactive role of FPAs in risk management is paramount, aiming to prevent fires from igniting and spreading, rather than solely reacting once they have started.⁹ By fostering cooperation and coordination among landowners, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders, FPAs create a more unified and effective approach to fire management efforts within a community.³ This collective organization recognizes that wildfires often transcend property boundaries, necessitating a collaborative strategy for effective control and mitigation.

The NVFFA places specific responsibilities on landowners regarding fire prevention, such as the preparation and maintenance of firebreaks that are sufficiently wide and long, free from flammable materials, and regularly maintained to prevent the spread of fire to or from neighboring land.² Membership in an FPA can significantly assist landowners in meeting these requirements. FPAs often provide guidelines and advice on the most effective methods for preparing and maintaining firebreaks, taking into account local conditions and regulations.² Furthermore, FPAs may organize training programs to equip landowners and their staff with the necessary skills for fire prevention and basic firefighting.⁶ In some instances, FPAs can even facilitate collective firebreak planning among neighboring properties, promoting a coordinated approach across larger landscapes. Beyond prevention, FPAs also play a role in assisting members with access to resources, equipment, and trained personnel for fire suppression, as mandated by the NVFFA.⁶ Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of FPA membership for landowners is the legal aspect concerning the presumption of negligence. As mentioned earlier, being a member of an FPA shifts the onus of proof in legal claims related to wildfires, providing a measure of legal protection to landowners who actively participate in organized fire management efforts.⁹

North Eastern Free State Fire Protection Association (NEFSFPA): Your Local FPA

The North Eastern Free State Fire Protection Association (NEFSFPA), accessible through its website nefsfpa.co.za, serves as the primary FPA for landowners in the eastern part of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, which includes the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela Local Municipal Areas.¹⁷ The primary objective of NEFSFPA, as stated on its website, is to mitigate the risk and impact of veldfires within its designated operational area.¹⁷ To achieve this, NEFSFPA pursues several specific objectives, including maintaining fire-season standby and response capabilities with its own personnel and five Working on Fire teams from June to November. They also conduct preliminary fire investigations to assist members with insurance claims related to fire damage. Representing landowners’ interests, NEFSFPA has a presence on the Free State Fire Advisory Forum. Furthermore, the association utilizes technology such as the Fireweb Incident Management Tool to enhance the efficiency of fire management and communication among stakeholders. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is another key objective, with NEFSFPA enforcing its own rules and regulations that are aligned with the National Veld & Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998.¹⁷

NEFSFPA offers a comprehensive range of services to its members, specifically designed to support landowners in managing fire risks. These services include an online invoicing system for efficient billing of services rendered. The association employs full-day personnel dedicated to managing the operations of the Fire Protection Association. Crucially, NEFSFPA maintains CW Price Vital Fire Weather Stations in Ascent, Warden, and Harrismith, providing essential weather data for accurate fire risk assessment. Historical data from these stations is also available to members for claims purposes. To keep members informed about potential fire hazards, NEFSFPA disseminates Fire Danger Index (FDI) notifications through WhatsApp channels and announcement groups. Recognizing the importance of knowledge and preparedness, the FPA offers fire awareness programs and training to landowners and communities within its area. NEFSFPA also provides resources and information related to fire risk mapping, enabling landowners to better understand the specific risks on their properties. In the event of a fire incident, members can access post-incident support from NEFSFPA, including assistance with reporting losses and damages. The FPA also plays a role in facilitating the process of obtaining burning permits, which are often required for controlled burns. A significant service offered to members is the ability to book Working on Fire teams for various fire prevention and suppression activities. To further enhance preparedness, NEFSFPA provides online self-training modules related to fire safety and management. Finally, the association maintains a document repository where members can download relevant documents and resources pertaining to fire management and regulations.¹⁷ The ability for NEFSFPA members to book Working on Fire teams highlights a level of operational coordination between the two entities at the local level.¹⁷

The North Eastern FS FPA covers a substantial geographical area of approximately 1.2521 million hectares in the eastern part of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality.¹⁷ This extensive coverage area is a result of the amalgamation of various smaller FPAs that were previously operating primarily within the Phumelela and Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipalities.¹⁷ This consolidation indicates a strategic move towards a more unified and sustainable approach to fire management across a larger landscape. A detailed map illustrating the specific Fire Management Areas covered by NEFSFPA is available on their website, allowing landowners to confirm their property’s inclusion within the FPA’s jurisdiction.¹⁷ This broader coverage enables better coordination and resource sharing across what were once fragmented operational areas, potentially leading to more effective wildfire management outcomes for all landowners within the region.

Working on Fire (WoF): A National Fire Management Program

Working on Fire (WoF) is a national program established in September 2003 as part of the South African Government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).⁴ Its primary objectives are twofold: to create job opportunities and alleviate poverty, and to prevent and control wildland fires across the country through the implementation of Integrated Fire Management (IFM) practices.¹⁹ Beyond these core goals, WoF also aims to support the development and sustainability of Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) in line with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act.¹⁹ The program actively contributes to the reduction of densely invaded areas by utilizing fire as a management tool and works towards reducing the risk associated with high biomass loads after clearing invasive plants.¹⁹ A significant aspect of WoF’s mission is to empower communities affected by fire by enhancing their understanding of the benefits and potential harms associated with wildfires.¹⁹ This includes advocating for and assisting with the implementation of appropriate land-management strategies and raising awareness about relevant fire-related laws and regulations.¹⁹

The operational structure of WoF is extensive, with over 200 bases strategically located throughout South Africa.⁴ The program recruits young men and women primarily from marginalized communities, providing them with comprehensive training in fire awareness and education, fire prevention techniques, and fire suppression skills.¹⁹ These individuals form the veld and forest firefighting ground crews that are the backbone of WoF’s operational capacity. In addition to ground crews, WoF also operates an aviation division, Working on Fire Aviation, which provides crucial aerial firefighting services, including helicopters equipped with water buckets and fixed-wing bomber aircraft.²⁷ These aerial resources work in close coordination with the ground teams to combat wildfires effectively. WoF teams are often called upon to assist with managing both local and international wildfires, demonstrating their readiness and expertise in fire management.²⁵ The program also emphasizes capacity building among its participants, offering opportunities for progression within the organization from firefighter to leadership roles.²¹

Working on Fire provides a wide array of services within the realm of fire management. These include proactive fire awareness education campaigns targeted at communities and landowners to promote responsible fire use and prevent unwanted ignitions.¹⁹ WoF teams are also involved in fire prevention activities such as conducting prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads and constructing firebreaks to limit the spread of potential wildfires.¹⁹ A core function of WoF is rapid response and active suppression of wildfires to minimize the damage they can cause to life, property, and the environment.¹⁹ Furthermore, WoF engages in the rehabilitation of areas affected by fires to aid in the recovery of ecosystems.²⁰ Importantly, WoF actively supports the development and sustainability of Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) by contributing resources and providing services to these local organizations.⁴ This support can include the deployment of WoF teams to assist FPA members with fire prevention and suppression efforts, as seen in the case of NEFSFPA.¹⁷

The Working on Fire program is primarily funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as an integral part of the government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).¹⁹ The EPWP aims to provide poverty and income relief through the creation of work opportunities, and WoF directly contributes to this goal by employing individuals from marginalized communities.²³ While the majority of WoF’s funding comes from government allocations, the program may also generate some revenue through the provision of specialized fire management services to third parties, such as conducting prescribed burns or assisting with fire suppression operations for private entities.³² This government funding model allows WoF to operate as a national resource, available to support fire management initiatives across various regions and in collaboration with organizations like Fire Protection Associations.

Comparing and Contrasting NEFSFPA and Working on Fire

While both NEFSFPA and Working on Fire are involved in wildfire management, they operate with distinct mandates, funding models, and primary responsibilities. NEFSFPA, as a registered Fire Protection Association under the NVFFA, has a statutory mandate to assist its members, primarily landowners, in managing veldfire risks and ensuring compliance with the Act.⁷ This includes a legal obligation to provide certain minimum services to the local community within its operational area. In contrast, Working on Fire (WoF) is a government-funded program with broader programmatic goals centered on job creation, poverty alleviation, and the implementation of integrated fire management practices at a national level.¹⁹ While WoF actively supports the development and functioning of FPAs, its primary mandate is not the same as the legal obligations that an FPA has towards its members.

The funding models for the two organizations also differ significantly. NEFSFPA is primarily financed through membership fees or levies paid by the landowners and other land users who join the association within its designated geographical area.⁴ This membership-based funding ensures that the FPA is directly accountable to its constituents. Working on Fire (WoF), on the other hand, receives its main financial support from the national government, specifically through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.²¹ This government funding allows WoF to operate on a much larger national scale and to pursue its dual mandate of environmental protection and socio-economic development.

The primary responsibilities of NEFSFPA and WoF also highlight their distinct roles in wildfire management. NEFSFPA’s main responsibility is to support landowners within its operational area in all aspects of wildfire management, including prediction, prevention, management, and suppression. This support aims to help landowners meet their obligations as outlined in the NVFFA and includes offering training, providing guidance on firebreak establishment and maintenance, and facilitating access to necessary resources.⁷ Working on Fire’s primary responsibility is to provide operational firefighting resources to suppress wildfires across the country.¹⁹ This includes deploying highly trained firefighting teams and aerial support to actively combat fires. While WoF collaborates with and supports FPAs, its core function is direct intervention during fire incidents.

To further clarify the key distinctions, the following table summarizes the main differences between NEFSFPA and Working on Fire:

Feature	NEFSFPA	Working on Fire (WoF)
Mandate	Legal obligation under NVFFA to support members in fire management	Programmatic goals of job creation and integrated fire management
Funding	Primarily membership fees/levies	Primarily government funding (DFFE)
Primary Responsibility	Supporting landowners with prevention, management, and compliance	Providing operational firefighting resources and suppression
Scope	Regional (North Eastern Free State)	National
Membership	Voluntary for most landowners (compulsory for state land if FPA exists)	Not a membership organization for landowners
Focus	Proactive fire risk management and legal compliance	Reactive fire suppression and broader IFM implementation

Why Working on Fire Teams Are Often More Visible in Fire Response

The frequent observation of Working on Fire teams responding to wildfires by landowners in the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela areas can be attributed to several factors, primarily related to WoF’s operational capacity and emergency response protocols. Working on Fire maintains a significant number of highly trained firefighters and a substantial fleet of resources, including ground vehicles and aircraft, strategically stationed at over 200 bases across South Africa.¹⁹ This widespread presence and the constant state of readiness allow for rapid mobilization and deployment of teams when fire incidents occur. The specialized training and equipment that WoF firefighters possess for wildfire suppression make them a crucial resource during active fire events.¹⁹ The visibility of their firefighting teams, often clad in distinctive uniforms, and the deployment of aircraft, such as helicopters dropping water, during fire responses naturally lead to the perception that WoF is the primary entity involved in wildfire management.²⁷

The dispatch of Working on Fire teams typically occurs through established emergency response channels. Provincial disaster management centers, municipalities, or even Fire Protection Associations like NEFSFPA can request the deployment of WoF teams when a wildfire exceeds the capacity of local resources to manage effectively.¹ In the specific context of the North Eastern Free State, NEFSFPA plays a role in coordinating the deployment of WoF teams within its operational area to provide assistance to landowners or during larger, more complex fire events.¹⁷ While landowners may not directly dispatch WoF teams in all circumstances, NEFSFPA membership can facilitate access to these resources when needed.¹⁷ This coordinated approach ensures that WoF’s substantial firefighting capabilities are strategically utilized to augment local fire management efforts when and where they are most required.

It is important to recognize that NEFSFPA and Working on Fire often collaborate closely during wildfire incidents.⁷ NEFSFPA, with its local knowledge and established communication networks, can provide valuable support to WoF teams operating within its area, including information on terrain, access routes, and local resources. Conversely, WoF teams can be booked by NEFSFPA members for various fire prevention activities, such as assisting with controlled burns (provided the necessary permits are in place) and the maintenance of firebreaks.¹⁷ While WoF’s role is often more visible due to its direct involvement in fire suppression, NEFSFPA’s contributions in the initial stages of fire management, coordination of resources, and support for landowners in prevention efforts are equally critical for overall wildfire management effectiveness in the region.

Understanding Your Role and Benefits as a Landowner

As a landowner in the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela Local Municipal Areas, understanding the distinct roles of NEFSFPA and Working on Fire is crucial for effectively managing fire risks on your property and ensuring compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act. NEFSFPA plays a vital role in assisting landowners with fire prevention. The association provides guidelines and advice on the proper preparation and maintenance of firebreaks, which are essential for preventing the spread of wildfires.¹⁷ Furthermore, NEFSFPA offers training programs designed to educate landowners and their staff on various aspects of fire safety, including prevention techniques and basic firefighting skills.¹⁷ By actively engaging in these programs and adhering to NEFSFPA’s guidelines, landowners can significantly enhance their preparedness and reduce the likelihood of fires starting or spreading on their land. NEFSFPA also plays a crucial role in raising fire awareness within the local community through various communication channels, ensuring that landowners stay informed about potential risks and best practices in fire management.¹⁷

Membership in NEFSFPA offers several key benefits to landowners, particularly in terms of complying with the NVFFA and potentially mitigating liability. As previously mentioned, being a member of a Fire Protection Association can provide legal advantages under the NVFFA, especially concerning the presumption of negligence in the event of a fire incident.⁹ By actively participating in NEFSFPA and adhering to its rules and regulations, landowners demonstrate their commitment to responsible fire management, which can be a significant factor in legal considerations.³⁴ Moreover, NEFSFPA membership facilitates access to valuable information, training opportunities, and resources that help landowners meet their legal obligations related to both fire prevention and suppression.¹⁷ This collective approach to fire management, facilitated by NEFSFPA, makes it easier and more cost-effective for individual landowners to fulfill their responsibilities under the law.

While NEFSFPA focuses on supporting landowners in a comprehensive manner, Working on Fire (WoF) provides crucial operational firefighting support when wildfires do occur. WoF serves as a vital resource for suppressing wildfires that may pose a direct threat to landowners’ properties, livelihoods, and the surrounding environment.¹⁹ The rapid response capabilities and the expertise of WoF firefighting teams are essential in effectively containing and extinguishing veldfires, minimizing potential damage.¹⁹ Although WoF is not a membership organization for landowners, its presence and intervention during fire emergencies provide a significant benefit to the entire community, including those who own land in fire-prone areas. The collaboration between NEFSFPA and WoF ensures a more coordinated and effective response to wildfire incidents in the region, with NEFSFPA providing local context and WoF contributing its substantial operational capacity.

Engaging with and Benefiting from NEFSFPA in Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela

Becoming a member of NEFSFPA is a proactive step that landowners in the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela Local Municipal Areas can take to enhance their fire preparedness and benefit from the association’s support. The process for joining NEFSFPA typically involves completing a membership application form, which is likely available on their website (nefsfpa.co.za).¹⁷ Landowners or any person from whose land a fire can start or spread are generally eligible to join.³⁵ It is advisable to visit the NEFSFPA website or contact them directly to obtain the most up-to-date information on the application process and any specific eligibility criteria. Membership in NEFSFPA usually involves the payment of annual membership fees or levies, the structure and amount of which can also be found on their website.³⁵ These fees contribute to the operational costs of the FPA and enable them to provide services to their members.

As a member of NEFSFPA, landowners can access a range of valuable services and resources. These include access to real-time and historical fire weather data from the CW Price Vital Fire Weather Stations located within the region, which can help inform decisions regarding fire risk management on their properties.¹⁷ Members also receive Fire Danger Index (FDI) notifications via WhatsApp and other channels, providing timely warnings of elevated fire risks.¹⁷ NEFSFPA offers various training programs and fire awareness initiatives to educate landowners and their staff on fire prevention and basic firefighting techniques.¹⁷ Furthermore, the association can assist members with the often complex process of obtaining burning permits required for controlled burns.¹⁷ A significant benefit is the ability for NEFSFPA members to book Working on Fire teams for assistance with fire prevention activities like firebreak preparation and controlled burns, as well as for support during fire suppression efforts.¹⁷ Members also have access to a document repository on the NEFSFPA website, containing relevant information, rules, and regulations related to fire management.¹⁷ To access these services and resources, landowners should visit the NEFSFPA website and explore the members’ section or contact the NEFSFPA office directly.

To engage with NEFSFPA and benefit from their services, landowners in the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela areas can use the following contact information:

Website: nefsfpa.co.za ¹⁷
While a direct phone number is not prominently displayed on the website, general contact information for C W Price & Co. (Pty) Ltd., which provides the weather stations for NEFSFPA, is +27 11 805 4720.³⁶ It is recommended to use the contact forms or email addresses available on the NEFSFPA website for direct communication.
The website also features a “Contact Us” section with options to send a message directly through the site.³⁵

Landowners are encouraged to reach out to NEFSFPA directly for specific inquiries regarding membership, services, and any assistance they may require with fire management on their property.

Conclusion: Working Together for Effective Wildfire Management in the North Eastern Free State

In summary, NEFSFPA serves as the local Fire Protection Association for landowners in the Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela Local Municipal Areas, with a primary focus on supporting its members in managing veldfire risks and ensuring compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act. Through membership, landowners gain access to crucial resources, training programs, and legal support that enhance their fire preparedness and help them fulfill their responsibilities under the law. Working on Fire, on the other hand, is a national government program that provides essential operational firefighting resources, including highly trained teams and aerial support, to suppress wildfires across South Africa. While WoF is often more visible during fire incidents due to its direct involvement in suppression efforts, the proactive role of NEFSFPA in prevention, coordination, and landowner support is equally vital for effective wildfire management in the region.

For landowners in Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela, becoming a member of NEFSFPA offers significant benefits, including access to local fire weather data, assistance with burning permits, training opportunities, and the ability to book WoF teams when needed. Active engagement with NEFSFPA not only empowers landowners to better protect their own properties and livelihoods but also contributes to the collective effort of wildfire management within the broader community. By understanding the distinct roles of NEFSFPA as a local support and coordination body and Working on Fire as a national operational force, landowners can make informed decisions and take proactive steps to mitigate the threat of wildfires in the North Eastern Free State. Collaboration and shared responsibility are essential in safeguarding the environment and protecting communities from the devastating impacts of uncontrolled veldfires.