Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Zimpapers Writer
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade yesterday contained a raging veld fire that broke out at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), preventing potential infrastructural damage worth millions of United States dollars.
The fire, suspected to have been caused by a reckless individual just outside the university premises, quickly spread due to strong winds. Bulawayo chief fire officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, said they received a distress call shortly before 10 am.
“We received the call to the effect that there was a grass fire within the Zimbabwe School of Mines grounds and due to strong winds, we had the fire spread to Nust,” he said.
When the fire crew arrived, they were met with a raging grass fire moving rapidly towards Nust. Mr Moyo said the first team was tasked with extinguishing the blaze at the Zimbabwe School of Mines while another team was deployed to the university complex.
“The fire was getting worse due to the heavy winds that were spreading towards the institution. I’m grateful and proud that our crew managed to contain the fire. Nothing was burnt, and quite many valuable items were saved,” he said.
The Zimpapers news crew observed a vast tract of burnt land stretching from near the administration block, where Econet and NetOne boosters are mounted. Key facilities, including the ethanol plant, chemical block and clinic, were saved by the firefighters.
“At Nust, the team managed to contain it before it spread into key areas like the ethanol plant, hostels and transport plant workshop. We mobilised four fire engines and a total of 25 firefighters were deployed to manage the situation,” said Mr Moyo.
He warned the public against recklessly starting fires, particularly during the prescribed fire season, which runs from July 31 to November 30.
Environmental Management Agency (EMA) national spokesperson, Mrs Amkela Sidange, also reminded land users of their legal obligation to implement fire prevention measures.
“Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 clearly specifies that any landowner, user or someone with authority over a certain piece of land should ensure that it has approved fire prevention measures,” she said.
“No person shall deliberately cause fire that he or she cannot extinguish. If such a fire causes damage to the environment, property or life, that becomes an offence.”
Mrs Sidange said it is a punishable offence for anyone to cause a fire outside a residential or business premises within the specified fire prevention period.
“Anyone who contravenes these statutes shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine that does not exceed level eight or to imprisonment of up to one year, or both. We appeal to the public not to light fires outside their residential or business premises,” she said.
The latest development comes as veld fires continue to wreak havoc in and around Bulawayo. Last week, a house in Burnside suburb and a lodge along the Gwanda Road were severely damaged, while another blaze threatened the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
In Burnside, property worth an estimated US$500 000 was destroyed at House Number 67 Cathline Lane. The owners, Mr Reid Rowland and his wife, were on holiday in Switzerland when the incident occurred.
NUST security officer must be proactive. One day, our dear University will be burnt down. There are so many measures you could have put in place to avoid the fire coming so close to the establishment