Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
ZIMBABWE has entered into the fire restriction period to alleviate the veld fire menace that has consumed over 12 million hectares of land over the last 11 years, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has said.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife adjusted the fire restriction period which ordinarily under statutory instrument (SI) 7 of 2007 runs from July 31 to October 31 to start from July 1 ending on November 30 this year due to a shift in climatic patterns.
“This change reflects the broader reality that climate change is extending the risk period for veld fires beyond the historically established norms. To proactively manage this threat, EMA developed a veld fire risk prediction model which provides a detailed national outlook, categorising the country into different fire risk zones,” said EMA.
According to this model, 43 percent of the country is at high risk while 27 percent is at medium risk with alarming concern that 18 percent of the land area, particularly in highveld provinces at extreme risk of veld fires.
“Districts identified as being most vulnerable include Nyanga, Mutasa, Makoni, Mutare, Marondera, Chikomba, Hwedza, Harare, Zvimba, Mazowe, Centenary, Hurungwe, Murewa, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Chirumanzu and Gweru.
“These areas must prioritise veld fire preparedness as they are likely to experience significant fire incidents during the current season,” said EMA.
