Pesticide Options for Firebreak Maintenance

Industry Update For The 2026 Fire Season 

Effective firebreak maintenance remains a legal obligation for forestry operations in South Africa and a cornerstone of responsible land management. In preparation for the 2026 fire season, many in the forestry industry have sought clarity on the current regulatory status of herbicides used as part of integrated fire management.

Firebreak preparation is not optional. Under the Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998), landowners are required to prepare and maintain firebreaks to prevent the spread of veld fires and reduce risk to neighbouring properties, assets and lives. This obligation applies irrespective of the availability of specific tools or products.

This article provides an update on the regulatory status of herbicide options currently under review, outlines what is legally permissible at present and offers practical guidance to support compliant, risk-based decision-making across the forestry industry.

An integrated fire management approach to firebreaks

Fire management, much like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), relies on a combination of tools and approaches, rather than a single solution. Thus, when deciding upon a firebreak maintenance option the following should be considered:

• The site-specific fire hazard and risk.
• Site-specific factors which could limit firebreak maintenance, including terrain, slope, and accessibility.
• The environmental and social implications of both the options used for firebreak maintenance and the potential risk of a fire, if maintenance did not occur.
• Operational feasibility and cost.
• Available alternatives.
• Long-term sustainability.

Herbicides have historically formed part of integrated fire management in certain contexts, particularly where slope, terrain, or access limit the practicality of manual or mechanical methods for preparation. However, they are supporting measures, not replacements, and must be applied selectively, defensibly, and in compliance with applicable legislation.

Chemical control options operators can use at present (current legal position)

At the time of writing, glyphosate, where registered and used strictly in accordance with label instructions, remains the only herbicide legally available for firebreak or tracer belt preparation in forestry.

No other herbicide products may be used for this purpose unless and until formal approval is granted. Use of any unregistered product or use outside label instructions constitutes illegal off label use under Act 36.

It should be noted that only certain glyphosate products are registered under Act 36 for the preparation of tracer belts in forestry. While glyphosate is not ideal from an environmental perspective, it may be necessary in specific circumstances where manual or mechanical methods are operationally impractical or prohibitively expensive, and where fire risk is high.

Where glyphosate is used, the following principles remain critical: 

• Apply selectively and in a targeted manner.
• Avoid application near watercourses or open bodies of water.
• Adhere strictly to label instructions.
• Ensure applicators are correctly calibrated to avoid over-application.
• Avoid repeated application on the same tracer belt in consecutive seasons.
• Integrate with manual or mechanical methods wherever feasible.

Alternative herbicide options under review – a regulatory update

Pelargonic acid (paraquat alternative)

Pelargonic acid has been proposed as a potential alternative to paraquat for firebreak preparation. The registration process has experienced delays linked to technical requirements associated with toxicological data submission.

Further engagement between TIPWG, the manufacturer and Registrar is underway to assess whether Good Experimental Practice (GEP)- approved Certificates of Analysis may be accepted, considering the plant-based nature of the active ingredient. With the assistance of South African Bioproducts Organisation (SABO), there is cautious optimism regarding the outcome of this process; however, uncertainty remains with respect to timing.

At this stage, pelargonic acid should be regarded as a potential future option, rather than one that can be relied upon for immediate operational planning.

Glufosinate-ammonium

Glufosinate-ammonium is currently subject to the Act 36 derogation process. Both the timing and outcome of this process remain uncertain. Should a derogation be granted, any use would be restricted to Pest Control Operators (PCO) holding a Restricted Use Remedy PCO licence, and all applications would be required to comply strictly with the conditions attached to such approval.

Approved Pesticide List (APL) update

As part of the current review cycle, work is underway to update the Approved Pesticide List (APL) to provide clearer guidance on the use of glyphosate for firebreak preparation in limited and specific circumstances. This includes identifying which glyphosate products are registered for this purpose, to support consistent interpretation and compliance across the forestry industry.

The timing of this update is linked to the broader APL review process and the need to ensure alignment with existing registrations and regulatory requirements. Once finalised, any updates to the APL will be circulated to members.

Off-label use and compliance considerations

Use of pesticides outside registered label instructions is illegal under Act 36. Off-label use introduces significant risk, including:

• Regulatory non-compliance, which may result in enforcement action by the Registrar, including penalties as provided for in the legislation.
• Increased fire risk to plantations, neighbouring properties, and human health where products are misused, misapplied, or applied outside approved label conditions.
• Potential non-conformances during Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest CertificationTM (PEFCTM) certification audits.
  The forestry industry has a strong reputation for responsible fire management, and maintaining this standard depends on continued adherence to both legislative requirements and certification standards.
  Practical considerations for the 2026 fire season Considering the current regulatory and operational constraints, forestry managers and contractors are encouraged to:
• Re-evaluate firebreak placement using existing landscape features such as roads, rivers, and previously disturbed areas.
• Prioritise high-risk boundaries and areas of limited access.
• Apply integrated approaches combining manual, mechanical and (where legally permissible) herbicide methods.
• Document decision-making processes and justifications, especially when involving neighbouring properties.
• Plan early to reduce last-minute compliance pressures.

Adaptive, flexible and integrated planning will be particularly important in the upcoming fire season.

Closing
The forestry industry continues to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and commitment to effective fire management. While regulatory processes take time, the legal obligation to prepare and maintain firebreaks remains clear.

By applying a risk-based, integrated approach and operating within the bounds of current legislation, the industry can continue to protect assets, neighbouring communities and the environment, while maintaining compliance and certification integrity.

Written by: Jacqui Meyer, Forestry South Africa (FSA) 

Source: NCT

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