Decrease in veld fires recorded

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWE has recorded a decrease in veld fires and fatalities that come with it as seen by 2313 fire cases and one death that have been reported from 31 July to date as compared to 3870 cases and three deaths recorded during the same period last year, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said.

EMA Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Mrs Amukela Sidange said they were engaging stakeholders in raising awareness of the dangers of veldfires and how to minimise incidents.

“Since the onset of the veld fire restriction period on 31 July, the country has recorded 2313 veld fire incidents which have destroyed over 424 hectares of land compared to the corresponding period last year the country recorded 3870 veld fire incidents destroying over 866 000 hectares of land. To date, we have recorded one death as compared to three deaths during the corresponding period. Law enforcement is ongoing, especially for those that have been found violating the law and 56 tickets have been issued to law offenders as well as 20 dockets that have been opened with the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” she said. 

The launch of the national fire week on 2 May, also triggered the implementation of a fire awareness campaign running under the theme, ‘prevent veld fires, protect the environment- our natural heritage.’ 

“The Agency working together with key and keen stakeholders, both from the private and public sector has been raising public awareness and capacity building on veld fire management. Key among these activities include training of fire committees and fire fighting teams. These are community structures composed of community members trained in veld fire management at the community level. 

“This increases the capacity of communities to prevent the occurrence of fires, put out fires, assess damage from fires and investigate the cause of fire, and initiate prosecution,” she said.

Mrs Sidange said these were the same structures that disseminate critical information on veld fires to other community members, as such they remain key in veld fire management at the community level. This, she said, is ongoing and anyone found violating the laws pertaining to veld fire management will be prosecuted.

She gave an insight into the most affected areas in the country.

“The five most affected provinces in their order are Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and the Midlands with Matabeleland North replacing the traditionally most affected province of Mashonaland West province,” she said.–@NyembeziMu