PUBLIC NOTICE: OFFICIAL FIRE SEASON: No more controlled burns or permits

Please be reminded the George Municipality will not allow controlled burns or issue permits for controlled burns in the municipal area as of 1 December 2024.

A controlled burn permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue but may not be used during the official fire season, which in the Western Cape is usually from November/December to February/March each year.

As a general measure, the municipality prefers that controlled burns are done for agricultural purposes (clearing fields for regrowth) only and NOT for biomass reduction – please consider alternatives such as chipping.

The municipality appeals to the public to always be fire aware, no matter what time of the year it is – please always exercise extreme caution, make fires in protected and designated areas only, and dispose of cigarette butts safely. Burning of garden refuse in residential areas is illegal.

Control burns with a valid permit will resume 1 April 2025 subject to the prevailing weather conditions. An updated notice will be issued by the George Municipality.

TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311