Why Join the Heidelberg Fire Protection Association?
If you own or occupy land in the Heidelberg area, the law already places fire prevention and firefighting duties on you. The Heidelberg Fire Protection Association (FPA) exists to help you meet those duties affordably, effectively, and as part of a coordinated community effort - rather than alone.
Your obligations exist either way
Under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (NVFFA), every landowner from whose land a fire may start or spread is required to prepare and maintain a firebreak, and to have the equipment, protective clothing and trained personnel available to fight fires. Joining the FPA does not create new obligations - it gives you a practical, cost-effective way to meet the obligations you already carry.
Liability Protection
If a fire starts on or spreads from your land and damages a neighbour's property, you are financially liable by default - and the burden falls on you to prove you were not negligent. FPA membership brings a legal provision that removes this presumption of negligence, so members who have taken reasonable, demonstrable steps to prevent damage are far better protected in the event of a claim.
Insurance and cost benefits
Compliance with the NVFFA is often a condition of Public Liability cover, and many insurers offer discounted premiums and excess incentives to members of a well-functioning FPA. In an emergency, FPA members calling on Working on Fire (WoF) teams typically only cover fuel and food costs, while non-members are liable for the full cost of equipment and response.
More members means more funding for everyone
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) funding to the FPA is partially calculated based on our membership numbers. Every landowner who joins directly increases the resources and support available to the whole membership - not just to the new member.
What the Heidelberg FPA offers members
We provide paid transport for Working on Fire (WoF) teams to reach firebreaks and fire suppression call-outs.
We coordinate community firebreaks for specific areas that experience recurring fire problems every year.
We maintain equipment available for members to loan, including skid units (bakkie sakkie), blowers, knapsack sprayers, beaters, and brushcutters.
We provide firefighter support to repair members' equipment, on approval.
How to join
Membership applications and cost details are available online here or click on the Membership Application Form on the menu on the left.
The safety of the Heidelberg area depends on landowners working together.
We encourage every landowner to join. |
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