Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is today (Wednesday) set to launch the 2026 National Fire Week campaign, with the main commemorations set for Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province.
According to EMA, the annual campaign, observed during the second week of May, officially marks the beginning of the national veld fire prevention season.
Running under the theme, “Prevent, Protect, Preserve: Combating Veld Fires Together,” the campaign seeks to raise awareness on the dangers posed by veld fires and encourage communities to take collective responsibility in preventing fire outbreaks.
The Agency said forecasts indicate an increased risk of veld fires during the 2026 fire season due to high grass biomass from the recent rainy season, expected dry and windy conditions, as well as human activities such as land clearing using fire, illegal hunting and unattended fires.
It said veld fires continue to pose a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, biodiversity, agriculture, infrastructure and the environment.
“Veld fires destroy grazing land, forests, crops, wildlife habitats and property. They also contribute to air pollution and climate change while threatening human life and food security,” said EMA., calling upon Zimbabweans to put in place fire prevention measures including constructing standard fireguards of at least nine metres around farms, homesteads and properties, avoiding open fires during windy conditions, properly extinguishing cigarette stubs and reporting fire outbreaks immediately to authorities.
The agency also encouraged communities to mobilise firefighting equipment and ensure that farms and villages have trained firefighting teams.
EMA said this year’s launch will also coincide with the introduction of the Integrated Fire Management Project, aimed at strengthening national preparedness and response to veld fires.
Provinces and districts across the country, said EMA, will hold similar events to promote awareness and community participation in veld fire prevention.
“Let us all unite to prevent veld fires, protect our natural resources and preserve Zimbabwe’s environment from destruction by veld fires,” said EMA.
