BE FIREWISE

A Vision of a Functional FPA

READY - the FPA has developed structures and systems to prevent and fight veldfires

• Developing the veldfire management strategy has prepared everyone's mind.
• The veldfire management strategy in the business plan includes a proper risk and vulnerability assessment.
• The business plan is effectively implemented and owners as defined in the Act have implemented their integrated veldfire management plans.
• Owners comply with the FPA's rules and the minimum requirements of the Act.
• Fire protection and prevention measures are in place.
• The FPA is ready with equipment and trained employees.
• The FPO is registered and has assumed powers under the Act.
• The early warning system (National Fire Danger Rating System) is operating, communicated and aligned with rules and practices.
• There is effective communication among members of the FPA, and with fire, disaster management and other services.

STEADY - the FPA is organised to fight veldfire

• Owners know and have rehearsed their roles and responsibilities.
• Municipal fire services and disaster management know their roles and agreed veldfire contingency plans are in place.
• Mutual assistance agreements are in place with any neighbouring FPAs.
• Support is available from an umbrella FPA (for example, aerial support).
• Joint operating centres (JOCs) work to co-ordinate resources.
• The JOC is under the co-ordination and control of a single person, that is, the FPO.
• All organisations involved in firefighting are included and their representatives are empowered to take decisions.
• All necessary communications and resources are available and properly co-ordinated.

GO! The FPA knows how to respond

• Trained in standard veldfire incident command - fire bosses know what to do and how to do it.
• Escalation procedures are in place - how to pass the command upwards, for example owner >>FPO >> Province.
• Standard operating procedures are known and applied.
• Safety measures for personnel are of the highest standard.
• Resource tracking systems are in place, that is, the FPA knows at any time where resources are being deployed.
• Emergency services can take care of the knock-on effects of veldfires (traffic control, evacuations, and so on.)