adminTinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) says it has stepped up efforts to meet its target of reducing veld fires by 10 percent this year, amid predictions that about 90 percent of the country could be at risk of veld fires in 2015. This comes against a backdrop of an increase in the area destroyed by veld fires from 1,1 million hectares in 2013 to nearly 1,7 million hectares last year.
The number of fire incidents also increased to 2 575 last year compared to 1 981 recorded in 2013.
At least 12 people were killed by veld fires in 2014 up from four recorded in 2013, while property and livestock worth $282 275 was destroyed by fire last year.
According to EMA’s 2015 fire prediction model an estimated 13 percent of the country is at extreme risk of fires, while 38 percent is at high risk, and about 38 percent is at medium risk, totalling to about 89 percent of the country being at risk of fires.
A significant reduction in extreme risk zone has however, been predicted this year from 35 percent in 2014 to 13 percent.
The fire risk prediction model has cited areas such as Nyanga, Chimanimani, Mutare, Hwange, Umguza, Hurungwe, Makonde, Kadoma, Chegutu, Mazowe, Bindura and Kwekwe to be in extreme risk to fires.
Speaking ahead of the start of this year’s fire season, EMA education and publicity manager Mr Steady Kangata warned farmers, members of the public and companies against wantonly starting fires.
The fire season starts on 31 July and ends on 31 October each year.
Mr Kangata said anyone wishing to start a fire should seek permission from relevant authorities first.
He urged communities to complement efforts by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate through EMA to reduce the hectarage destroyed by veld fires by 10 percent this year,
“Communities should start coming up with fire pre-suppression measures. The pre-suppression measures to be taken are also stated and these include the construction of an at least 9-metre wide fireguard on both sides of a boundary fence, at least 4,5 metres wide for internal ones as well as putting in place a fire preparedness workplan at each property.
“Anyone willing to start a fire for whatever reason, except for domestic purposes such as cooking, should give a two week notice. The notice should be given to EMA, the Forestry commission, and the police. Neighbours should also be notified in case the fire gets out of hand and one might want assistance in putting out the fire,” Mr Katanga said.
A notice of intention to start a fire should be given in terms of Section 67 (2) (a) of the Forestry Act Chapter 19:05 of 1996.
Mr Kangata bemoaned the negative effects that fires had on the country’s economy.
“Fires negatively affect the economy and the environment. In 2014 Property ranging from farm implements, household goods, plantations and agricultural produce were gutted down by fires. The 2014 fire season saw the country losing 12 lives to fires, property worth $66 030, plantations valued at $ 47, 595 and agricultural produce and equipment and livestock valued at $168 650, giving a total loss of at least $282 275.
“Reduction of veld fires is necessary to keep the land productive in order to support the agriculture sector which is the backbone of our economy,” he said.
Mr Kangata warned that EMA will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught starting unregulated fires.
According to EMA statistics from last year 1 436 legally binding orders in terms of the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27) were served on land owners and users to construct fireguards at their properties.
At least 237 fire offenders were issued with tickets while 199 dockets were opened nationwide for offences related to veld fires. 29 fire related cases were tried by traditional leaders compared to only eight that were tried in 2013.
“The Environmental Management Agency is undertaking various activities that are aimed at creating awareness and building the capacity of communities to sustainably manage fire in their areas,” said Mr Kangata.
In 2009, 10 people died due to veld fires with the figure rising to 25 the following year. 2011 saw five people dying because of veld fires and while 16 died in 2012 and four in 2013 before the figure rose to 12 last year.
Over the past five years Mashonaland West Province has recorded the highest number of hectares destroyed by veld fires, followed by Matabelalnd North province, while Masvingo province has recorded the least area burnt.
Online Reporter