Warning Sent to Owner of Erf 1
Dear Neighbour
Further to earlier communication – the following is a copy of the warning sent to the owner of Erf 1 from the Glencairn Fire Watch regarding the extreme fire risk that his overgrown property poses for the residents of Glencairn valley
Glencairn Fire Watch
c/o 23 Glen alpine Road
Welcome Glen
7975
Telephone: 021 781 0942
Email: glencairnfirewatch@gmail.com
23 March 2011
Martin Kelly
Cape Town Coastal Properties Pty Ltd
32 Cockburn Close
Simon’s Town 7975
Dear Sir,
Further to: Alien Vegetation Fire Hazard – Erf 1, Simon’s Town
On 9th of February 2011, we sent you a letter regarding the serious threat to the lives and property of Glencairn residents from the heavy infestation of invasive alien plants species that has been allowed to develop on your property, Erf 1, Simon’s Town. We informed you of our concern that there is a very real threat of a runaway fire crossing from your land into the adjacent suburb at this time of year. We offered to meet with you or a representative to discuss the problem
To date, we have had no reply from yourself, nor from any of your representatives. We are therefore left with no alternative but to take the legal route to support efforts to have the land cleared at your expense and for you to be compelled to comply with all aspects of the Fire Safety regulations in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act and municipal fire safety bylaws.
We further give formal notice that you will be held directly responsible by our community should a fire break out in the interim and cross over from your property, if the land has not been adequately cleared and the required fire precautions (as per the national Veld and Forest Fire Act and other regulations) are not in place, (i.e. firebreaks, management plan, standby firefighting team etc.). In such an event we would not hesitate to lay charges against you directly in your personal capacity for criminal negligence and would also support any civil action against you and/or your company(s) for damages, should any of our residents suffer loss as a result.
Yours faithfully,
Clare Roy
Chairperson
Glencairn Fire Watch