Wildfires in South Africa are set to increase: How legal action can help the country adapt better to climate changethat there is likely to be an increase in the number of wildfires in regions that are already hot, dry and water scarce.by clearing out old plant matter. But when fires rage out of control, the damage can include loss of life and injury. Infrastructure, industrial facilities, livestock, fodder banks, agricultural equipment, plantations, homes and resorts are often destroyed.
To sue for damages from a fire, there must be proof that the fire was started intentionally or as a result of negligence. To claim compensation, there has to be damage that is quantifiable . The damage also needs to be wrongful. The failure to maintain a fire break is also a crime. Further research is needed to understand whether criminal penalties have been imposed on negligent landowners.