malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has introduced penalties to prevent veld fires and protect the environment.
Offences will attract a fine that can go up to level 14, six months’ imprisonment or both.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, EMA environmental education and publicity manager, Ms Amkela Sidange said: “Starting a fire or leaving a fire unattended is a punishable offence.
“The same goes for being found without a fire guard around your land property. This attracts a fine which can go up to level 14, six months’ imprisonment or both.
“As we go into this fire restriction period, let’s not put our guard down. Let’s remain vigilant and ensure that we protect our environment.”
Ms Sidange said July 1 was gazetted as the onset of the wildfire restriction period for the year 2024. It will stretch up to the end of November.
“This is a slight deviation from the usual statutory fire season of July 31 to October 30 as enshrined in Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007.
“This has all been necessitated by the change in seasons which has seen us experiencing more short wet seasons and long dry seasons, thus increasing vulnerability to wildfires during the dry seasons,” she said.
Online Reporter