Training
ECUFPA can arrange for training to be provided by accredited training service providers. We specialize in all training related to veld- and forest fires and instant command systems. The bulk of our training is presented on site. This saves money in terms of traveling and accommodation. The trainees also get trained in their own working environment with the equipment they will use in case of a fire. We can also arrange for training in related subjects and other forestry related matters.
Consultation
ECUFPA can offer an holistic approach to your veld- and forest fire management. Our consultations include a site evaluation, risk identification and management plans. Through the national Veld and Forest Fire Act, (Act 101 of 1998) farmers and landowners can be held responsible for damages if a fire spreads from their property. Our team of forestry specialists offers you a complete fire management system, to ensure that you never run that risk. Execution of this plan can be done by our teams or we will train and supervise your personnel while performing these duties. Damages and claims after a fire rapidly run into millions of rand. We help you identify the origin and cause of the fire and with computer simulations determine the "what if's".
Fire Management Plans
A Fire Management Plan is essential for each and every property on which a wild fire can start or onto which a fire can spread. This document is essential in the planning and managing of wild fires. It is important that this is a realistic document that can both assist you in the case of a wild fire, but you must also be able to manage the property according to this plan. Such a plan would in essence address a couple of core issues such as maps of the area, personnel, equipment, fire belts, emergency procedures and a number of other issues. The risk evaluation, fuel load and management also play a core role in such a plan. This is a document that you, the land owner are comfortable with and will be prepared to admit as evidence in the case of a law suit.
It is therefore important that such a document is compiled by experts. Such a plan can also be compiled on a bigger scale for a FPA (Forest Protection Association). Feel free to contact us to arrange a site visit to be able to do a preliminary evaluation of your property.
Fire investigation
Landowners can be held responsible for damages if a fire spreads from their property. Damages and claims after a fire rapidly run into millions of rand. We help you identify the origin and cause of the fire and with computer simulations determine the "what if's". Our team of expert fire consultants will assist you in determining the origin and cause of the fire. This is the first step in determining responsibility for damages incurred by a fire. A comprehensive evaluation of the damages and fire fighting cost need to done as soon a possible after a fire. We can go further trough computer simulation and determine what the influence of certain actions during fire fighting was on the outcome of the fire.
This will assist the landowner during possible claims due to he incident. This can be both from the landowners side claiming for damages and costs or a claim that may arise from a fire allegedly started or spreading from his property. These claims often end up in court cases. The cost implication of such a case can quickly become very high. Without a proper fire investigation one don't stand much of a chance in such a law suite.
It stands to reason that the sooner the fire investigator can be on the scene and gather evidence the greater are the chances of success. It is therefore imperative to get an investigation done as soon as possible after any veld fire where more than one land owner are involved or where there is a possibility that the landowner might want to claim against his insurer.
Planning of Fire Belts
The effective placement of fire belts is most important to stop a runaway fire. Without a fire belt you have lost the battle before you started. A fire belt that is not placed correctly would not only be ineffective, but also cost money that could have been spent better. Strategically well placed fire belts cost less money in the long run.
The vegetation of the area, fire season, intensity of fire season, previous fire history, possibility of damages, value of infrastructure, value of crop, prevailing wind directions, dangerous wind directions and much more must be considered when fire belts are planned.
