Veldfire response readiness of district disaster centres: a study of the Limpopo Province

Abstract

One of the precursors in large fire response is the adequate supply of resources. Previous research suggests that fire management paradigm which comprises: (1) protection of critical facilities (ii) prevention of fire spread beyond spatially defined boundaries (iii) minimized exposure to hazard and (iv) desired containment and control period are important elements in fire management. A litany of literature focuses on Veldfire risk reduction and prevention whereas response readiness is largely unexplored. This study attempted to interrogate the readiness to respond to Veldfires by the District Disaster Management Centres of the Limpopo province. To achieve this aim, the study analyzed the management of Veldfire incidences within Mopani and Capricorn Districts, and assessed the effectiveness or lack thereof of interagency collaboration in tackling Veldfires by different stakeholders. In addition, the study examined the adequacy of Veldfire response mechanisms. In addressing the thematic focus of the study, data collection was achieved through the deployment of research tools inspired by the tradition of participatory research methods. These tools included field observations, questionnaires, focus group discussions with key informants and fire management experts as well as community members. In addition, document review was also used to source out information required for the study. The key findings of the study suggest that the districts of the Limpopo province are exposed to a litany of legislative and policy frameworks which create an enabling environment for land and Veldfire management. However, several reasons, such as lack of financial resources, misalignment of policies and inefficient strategies are hampering emergency institutions to deliver effective and sustainable Veldfire management systems and process. Other factors exacerbating the situation include the non-compliance to municipal bi-laws, lack of trust between communities and fire services, and poor communication among stakeholders. It was also established that both the Disaster Management Centres and the Umbrella Fire Protection Associations experience fundamental coordination impediments associated with power relations and dysfunctionality especially in the space of the fire warning systems. Thus, the Veldfire response challenges are far from over if the early warning information is not made available to all the Veldfire management stakeholders. In view of this, it is recommended in this study that the current trajectory of iv Veldfire management in South Africa can be improved through the provision of resources as such as those relating to budgeting, skilled personnel development, and capital investments in the Veldfire management infrastructure. If this is not achieved, the impact of Veldfires will continue to reverse the development gains made over the past years and retard progress for sustainable development.