adminThough fireguards safeguard property, life and ecosystems, many land users or property owners do not prioritise the construction of fireguards.
There are various ways which can be used to construct fireguards. Each fireguard construction technique has its own merits and demerits.
The choice to choose any one technique over the other is dependent upon such variables like labour costs, availability of farm machinery and knowledge.
Prescribed burning should meet the objectives by considering moisture conditions, wind direction and speed, fuel load and also temperature.
Obviously prescribed burning for fireguard construction requires expertise.
Whenever one wants to use fire or burn outside residential premises, it is a legal requirement that a written notice should be forwarded to ZRP six weeks before the exercise.
One is also required to notify the surrounding villagers and traditional leaders. Prior notifications should be done at least 24 hours before the exercise commences.
To construct the fireguards by employing prescribed burning one should develop fire traces first.
A fire is a narrow strip cleared on either side of a fireguard to facilitate burning. Fire traces help to stop fire encroachment into the unwanted zones/areas.
In addition, to fire traces one should also construct fire cut-offs. Fire cut-off is a narrow strip cleared across a fireguard to break fuel load continuity along its length.
This implies that, fire traces and fire cut-offs should be put in place before one starts the exercise. Fire cut-offs help in controlling burning hence complements to the function of fire traces.
Besides the use of prescribed burning for fireguard construction, one can also use the disking and ploughing method. This method can be used on a small-scale using an ox-driven mouldboard plough.
Construction of fire guards should be on the calendar of all land users and/or property owners each and every year to comply with legal provisions.
Precautionary measures when constructing fireguards using controlled burning.
When constructing fireguards it is important to consider the prevailing weather conditions:
- It is generally advised and most preferred for one to do the exercise on a calm day.
- Windy days should be avoided at all costs
- Burning should be done during the morning when dew is still present and grass will be less flammable.
- Burning during the midday can be done but only on moist soil.
- Necessary fire-fighting equipment should be mobilised prior to burning, in case the fire gets out of hand and need to be suppressed.
- Before any burning commences the neighbourhood should be informed such that they become alert and prepared to help put-off the fire in case the fire gets out of hand.
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Online Reporter