Online Reporter
Alicia Kadzviti
Herald Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency has launched the 2026 National Fire Week campaign amid growing concerns over increased risk across Zimbabwe during the upcoming dry season.
In a public note, released ahead of the official launch, EMA warned that high grass biomass from the recent rainy season, combined with expected dry and windy conditions, could fuel more veld fire outbreaks in many parts of the country.
The campaign is running under the theme, “Prevent, Protect, Preserve: Combating Veld Fires Together.”
EMA said veld fires continue to pose a major threat to lives, property, biodiversity, agriculture and infrastructure, while also contributing to air pollution and climate change.
The agency highlighted that most veld fires are caused by human activities such as careless disposal of cigarette stubs, open burning of waste, land clearing and illegal hunting. In Harare Metropolitan Province, EMA identified open spaces, wetlands, peri-urban farms, roadsides and residential outskirts as some of the areas vulnerable to veld fires, including settlements around Ruwa, Epworth, Hopley, Caledonia, Glen View, Budiriro and Mufakose.
The national launch of the 2026 Fire Week campaign was on May 13 in Goromonzi District, alongside the launch of the Integrated Fire Management Project.
