resource and jurisdictional co-ordination

A number of Co-ordinating Centres co-ordinate the various local, provincial and national firefighting organisations' resources, needs and actions. This is vital for efficient, effective and safe operations. Not all fire departments or organizations have veld fire protection as their primary mission - the majority are involved with a veld fire only occasionally. In order to promote integrated fire management throughout South Africa it is necessary to concentrate on addressing the co-ordinated management of veld fires, as well as the establishment of efficiently operating Umbrella Fire Protection Associations. Key to the success of effective integrated fire management are operations centres, well staffed and efficient, able to set priorities, move resources as required, and monitor weather in order to forecast special weather conditions that favour rapid spread of fire. Implementing, co-ordinating and monitoring readiness actions according to weather conditions are essential to ensure the success of initial attack.

Large, uncontrolled fires are a problem for veld firefighting organizations world-wide. In many respects, such 'potential disaster' fires are a problem distinct from day-to-day operations. From anticipated disaster through to the point at which they become an extreme emergency, requiring extended attack, large fires need sophisticated operational co-ordination. Internationally trained and recognised Type 3 Incident Command Teams are specifically trained in order to adapt and fit into any type and size of incident that requires extended attack.

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