Pall of smoke from controlled burn causes public concern
Members of the public expressed concern over a pall of smoke hanging over Dana Bay and then spreading over the Pinncale Point, Asla Park and Heiderand areas on Monday this week.
Prior to this a WhatsApp message circulated on neighbourhood groups, advising that a controlled burn was taking place at Paradise Coast Beach and Eco Estate near Dana Bay.
Because there was so much smoke and it was so widespread, residents wondered whether the burn was being kept under control.
Mossel Bay Advertiser enquired to the municipality.
The municipality noted: "Following concerns expressed by members of the public regarding thick, low hanging smoke, senior manager: Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, Joseph Johnston, reported that the controlled burn was going according to plan. He added that a drop in air pressure caused the smoke to hang low."
Johnston confirmed that there were no threats that the fire would spread. In addition to the teams responsible for the controlled burn, Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management was monitoring the situation.
The municipality confirmed: "Making firebreaks, where required and within the legislative framework, is the responsibility of the landowner, whether it is state, private or municipal land.
'Issuing notices'
"Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services is responsible for issuing notices to landowners where fire breaks are required.
Note that the landowner, whether it is state, private or municipal land, is responsible for preparing and distributing a notification of any work done to make a fire break.
"Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management approved a burn permit for the Paradise Coast Estate, a private entity in the Dana Bay area.
"The estate obtained an approved permit for a controlled burn to do fire fuel load reduction. The permit was issued by Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management after a thorough legislative process was followed. The Southern Cape Fire Protection Association teams along with Working on Fire crews were responsible for the controlled burn."
The municipality stated: "It is the responsibility of the landowner in possession of a burn permit to inform neighbours of a controlled burn. The permit is valid for 30 days, therefore should the controlled burn not be completed on a particular day, the permit holder may continue as conditions allow during the time of the permit validity.”
For more information on firebreaks, consult the Guide to the interpretation and implementation of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act No. 101 OF 1998 on the municipal website, www.mosselbay.gov.za.