Objectives

The primary objectives of this appointment are to determine the origin and cause of veld and wildfire incidents, conduct comprehensive investigations using accepted methodologies, and systematically collect, preserve, and document evidence. The service provider will also produce professional investigation reports, assist with post-fire recovery planning, support civil claims and insurance processes, and build internal capacity by delivering basic wildfire investigation training to designated municipal personnel.

Scope of Work

The contract covers a three-year period across approximately 23,331 km² spanning seven municipal areas. The scope includes:

• On-Scene Investigations: Fire origin and cause determination, scene examination, burn pattern analysis, witness interviews, evidence collection, and mapping.
• Follow-Up Investigations: Additional site visits, further interviews, evidence review, and liaison with landowners and authorities.
• Reporting: Submission of preliminary reports within seven days and comprehensive final reports within thirty days, incorporating executive summaries, fire behaviour assessments, GPS coordinates, maps, and conclusions.
• Aerial Imaging: Provision of high-resolution visual and thermal drone imagery for each investigation, including burn severity assessments and georeferenced outputs.
• Training: Delivery of a minimum two-day (16-hour) basic wildfire investigation course covering investigation principles, evidence handling, interview techniques, GPS/mapping tools, drone applications, and report writing.

Technical Requirements

• Response Timelines: Acknowledge requests within 4 hours, mobilise within 24 hours, and attend scenes within 48 hours (24 hours for high-priority emergencies).
• Evidence Management: Maintain a strict, documented chain of custody for all collected evidence. Preserve field notes, photographs, statements, and electronic records for a minimum of five years.
• Drone Operations: Utilise a compliant Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) equipped with high-resolution visual cameras and thermal sensors. Operations must comply with civil aviation regulations and privacy laws.
• Legal & Safety Compliance: Adhere to national fire, disaster management, environmental, and occupational health and safety legislation. Implement Incident Command System (ICS) safety protocols where applicable.
• Deliverables: Georeferenced aerial imagery, thermal snapshots, expert witness preparation, training manuals, attendance registers, assessment records, and certificates of completion.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in wildfire incident response, suppression, fire management, prescribed burning, and risk reduction activities.
• In-depth practical knowledge of wildfire behaviour, spread patterns, weather interpretation, fuel models, topographical influences, and fire dynamics.
• Lead Investigator: Must hold an FI-310 Advanced Wildland Fire Investigator qualification (or an equivalent recognised by FPASA/SACNASP or NFPA 1033 with wildland focus), maintain current International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) membership, possess five to ten years of relevant experience, and have successfully completed at least ten prior investigations.
• Expert Witness Capability: Must be formally willing and qualified to provide expert testimony in civil litigation, insurance investigations, and legal proceedings.
• Training Instructors: Must hold equivalent advanced qualifications, possess minimum five years of investigative experience, and demonstrate proven adult education or facilitation credentials.

Key Terms and Concepts Explained

• RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System): Commercially regulated drones used for aerial surveillance, thermal hotspot detection, and precise evidence mapping in inaccessible or hazardous terrain.
• FI-310: An internationally recognised advanced certification from IFSTA specifically designed for professionals conducting complex wildland/vegetation fire investigations.
• Chain of Custody: A legally mandated, unbroken documentation trail that tracks the collection, handling, and storage of physical or digital evidence to ensure its integrity and admissibility in court.
• B-BBEE & Locality Preference Points: South African public procurement mechanisms that allocate additional evaluation points based on an enterprise’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment status and whether the business operates within the Garden Route District or Western Cape Province.
• CSD & TCS Pin: The Central Supplier Database (national government vendor registry) and SARS Tax Compliance Status pin, both mandatory administrative requirements for tax verification and contract eligibility.