Bongani Ndlovu
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has intensified awareness campaigns ahead of the commencement of the 2026 veld fire restriction period, urging communities, farmers, landowners and other stakeholders to put in place preventive measures to minimise the risk of destructive fires.
The veld fire restriction period has been gazetted to run from July 1 to November 30, 2026, during which the use of fire outside residential and business premises is prohibited.
In a public notice, EMA said with only a few days remaining before the start of the fire season, all communities should ensure adequate fire prevention and suppression measures are in place to safeguard lives, property, crops, livestock and the environment.
The agency warned that veld fires continue to pose a major threat to Zimbabwe’s natural resources, biodiversity and agricultural productivity, often leaving communities counting heavy losses.
EMA urged farmers and landowners to establish standard fireguards around their properties in line with legal requirements. The agency said external boundary fireguards should be at least nine metres wide on either side of a fence, while internal fireguards should be at least 4,5 metres wide and kept free of all flammable material.
The agency also called for the establishment and training of firefighting teams at both village and farm level to ensure communities are adequately prepared to respond to fire outbreaks.
“Communities, farmers, landowners and land tenants should activate and implement veld fire prevention and suppression measures,” said EMA.
The environmental watchdog further urged stakeholders to ensure that firefighting equipment is readily available and easily accessible throughout the fire season.
EMA said communities should also establish local fire alert systems to facilitate rapid reporting and response whenever veld fires occur.
As part of efforts to reduce fire risk, the agency encouraged communities to manage excess biomass through sustainable practices such as grass harvesting, grass combing and hay baling.
EMA stressed the importance of continuous public education through community meetings and other awareness platforms to ensure citizens understand the dangers associated with veld fires and the measures required to prevent them.
The agency also urged members of the public to immediately report veld fire incidents to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, traditional leaders, local authorities, the Forestry Commission, Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) and EMA offices.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has lost thousands of hectares of grazing land, forests and crops to veld fires, with some incidents resulting in the loss of livestock, wildlife and human lives.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that many veld fires are caused by human activities, including careless disposal of cigarette stubs, uncontrolled burning, hunting activities, land clearing operations and the burning of vegetation along roadsides.
EMA said compliance with fire prevention regulations is a collective responsibility and called on all citizens to play their part in protecting the environment.
The agency warned that failure to comply with veld fire prevention regulations may result in a fine not exceeding Level 14, imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both.
As the country prepares for the peak dry season, EMA has appealed for heightened vigilance, saying preventing veld fires remains one of the most effective ways of protecting livelihoods, preserving biodiversity and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
