Fire Protection Officers Fire Protection Officers The FPO

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Fire Protection Officers

Fire Protection Officers

Fire Protection Officers The FPO is the chief executive officer of the FPA and

Fire Protection Officers The FPO is the chief executive officer of the FPA and if registered, has a number of important powers and duties under the Act Where a municipality is a member of the FPA, the chief fire officer must be appointed as FPO if she or he is willing (according to the Amendment Act). This is because the Constitution, for good reason, assigns fire services to the local government sphere. Where the chief fire officer is not willing, the FPA must appoint a FPO. If the FPA includes more than one municipality, the

Duties of registered FPO (1) Duties of FPO under section 6(1): • perform role

Duties of registered FPO (1) Duties of FPO under section 6(1): • perform role of CEO of FPA • carry out tasks assigned to him or her by FPA • take control of fire fighting in FPA’s area where veldfire threatens life or property and if able to do so • enforce rules of FPA • monitor and report to Minister on compliance with Act • train FPA members on laws, rules of FPA and fighting and preventing veldfires • inspect members’ land to ensure they are complying with their duties under the Act and the rules of the

Duties of registered FPO (2) Duties of FPO under s 18: Fire fighting –

Duties of registered FPO (2) Duties of FPO under s 18: Fire fighting – May take control of fire fighting for FPA’s area if: • veldfire is a threat to life and property and • s/he is reasonably able to do so – When a fire spreads across a boundary of a FPA, must • inform the FPO of that area • co-ordinate fire fighting efforts with that FPA

Duties of registered FPO (3) Under Chapter 8 of the Act, the FPO has

Duties of registered FPO (3) Under Chapter 8 of the Act, the FPO has powers of – Entry and search on any land or premises where s/he believes an offence has been or is being committed – Seizure of any vehicle, tool, weapon, animal or other thing – Arrest of any person reasonably suspected of having committed 1 st or 2 nd category offence, or 3 rd category offence if s/he believe will fail to appear in answer to a summons

Delegations of powers and duties (1) An FPO may delegate any power or duty

Delegations of powers and duties (1) An FPO may delegate any power or duty except: – the power to search – the power to seize – the power to arrest Delegation means that the FPO authorises someone else to exercise his/her powers or carry out his/her duties instead of him/herself. The FPO retains the ability to take those

Delegations of powers and duties (2) Sometimes the FPO will delegate various powers and

Delegations of powers and duties (2) Sometimes the FPO will delegate various powers and duties in writing eg the power to inspect members’ land At other times the delegation may be oral eg when fighting a fire, the FPO may delegate someone else to inform the neighbouring FPA that the fire has crossed the boundary.

Term of office of FPO The term of office is for as long as

Term of office of FPO The term of office is for as long as the FPA is satisfied with the FPO’s performance. But if the FPO is the CFO, then the term of office continues for as long as the CFO holds that position. If FPO has stopped performing his or her duties or there is a vacancy in the office of FPO, then FPA Executive Comm must call a special general meeting within 14 days to appoint a new FPO, unless the vacancy

Registration of a FPO To have powers under the Act, the FPO must be

Registration of a FPO To have powers under the Act, the FPO must be registered by the DG. The FPO applies in the appropriate part of Form 2. The DG must register the FPO if she or he is satisfied that s/he can enforce the Act in a responsible manner.

Guidelines for DG to determine if FPO is able and responsible DG may look

Guidelines for DG to determine if FPO is able and responsible DG may look at: – CV or testimony of referees or both to confirm that FPO has or will within a reasonable time have: • knowledge of veldfire conditions, behaviour and control within FPA’s area • adequate skills and experience in management and fighting of veldfires • certified qualifications appropriate to the level of veldfire risk in the FPA’s area • previous experience in managing firefighting resources appropriate to the needs of FPA • experience in technologies of veldfire management appropriate to level of risk in FPA’s area • proven co-ordination, command control skills

Guidelines for DG to determine if FPO is able and responsible – any objections

Guidelines for DG to determine if FPO is able and responsible – any objections to the appointment – level of support from Umbrella FPA or other sources – any other relevant information

Potential to achieve competence If FPO proposed by FPA does not meet all these

Potential to achieve competence If FPO proposed by FPA does not meet all these requirements, then he/she should demonstrate the potential to achieve the desired competence within a reasonable time. Where the FPA cannot appoint FPO, the Director-General of DWAF can appoint an “officer or employee of the Department” as FPO for a fixed period, which may be extended.

Registration of a Fire Protection Officer When the DG has decided that the FPO

Registration of a Fire Protection Officer When the DG has decided that the FPO qualifies for registration DWAF must: – enter the FPO’s details into a register of FPOs – issue a registration certificate and number. The DG also has the power to deregister a FPO.

Differences between roles

Differences between roles

Differences between roles

Differences between roles