Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
IN just three months, raging veld fires have destroyed property worth more than US$932 000, leaving a trail of devastation across the country.
The infernos have claimed two lives, torched 582,922 hectares of land, and gutted everything from agricultural equipment and tourist facilities to cars and homes since the fire restriction season began on 1 July.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Education and Publicity Manager Amkela Sidange revealed the shocking figures while responding to media questions.
“From July to September this year, we have recorded 1,792 veld fire incidents,” she said.
While this year’s figures are lower than 2024’s, the situation has turned dire in recent weeks.
“In 2024, a total of 3 035 incidents affected 675 128.9 hectares. This represents a 40.96 percent reduction in fire outbreaks and a 13.66 percent decrease in land burnt,” said Sidange.
She attributed the early-season decline to late rains, which left residual moisture and lush vegetation that initially slowed down fires.
But now, the tables have turned.
“The gradual increase in temperature, drying vegetation and persistent windy weather since August has fueled a drastic increase in veld fire outbreaks resulting in significant losses in biodiversity, property and life,” she warned.
The intensity of the blazes has dramatically worsened, with the average area burnt per incident soaring to 209,93 hectares this year, compared to just 35.31 hectares in 2024.
Sidange blamed the destruction on strong winds, dry vegetation and the lack of fireguards on most properties, which h blazes almost impossible.
With the fire season running until 30 November authorities are 6 landowners and communities to *Flames of Fury Ravage Land
Veld Fires Wipe Out Nearly US$1 Million in Three Months
Rutendo Nyeve
IN just three months, raging veld fires have destroyed property worth more than US$932,000, leaving a trail of devastation across the country.
The infernos have claimed two lives, torched 582,922 hectares of land, and gutted everything from agricultural equipment and tourist facilities to cars and homes since the fire restriction season began on July 1.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Education and Publicity Manager Amkela Sidange revealed the shocking figures while responding to media questions.
“From July to September this year, we have recorded 1,792 veld fire incidents,” she said.
While this year’s figures are lower than 2024’s, the situation has turned dire in recent weeks.
“In 2024, a total of 3,035 incidents affected 675,128.9 hectares. This represents a 40.96 percent reduction in fire outbreaks and a 13.66 percent decrease in land burnt,” said Sidange.
She attributed the early-season decline to late rains, which left residual moisture and lush vegetation that initially slowed down fires.
But now, the tables have turned.
“The gradual increase in temperature, drying vegetation and persistent windy weather since August has fueled a drastic increase in veld fire outbreaks resulting in significant losses in biodiversity, property and life,” she warned.
The intensity of the blazes has dramatically worsened, with the average area burnt per incident soaring to 209.93 hectares this year, compared to just 35.31 hectares in 2024.
Sidange blamed the destruction on strong winds, dry vegetation and the lack of fireguards on most properties, which has made containing the blazes almost impossible.
With the fire season running until November 30, authorities are urging landowners and communities to take urgent action to protect lives, livestock and property before the flames claim even more.
urgent action to protect lives, livestock and property before the flames claim even more.
