Reducing impact of veld fires

in the preventions of uncontrolled fires.
Is there anything wrong with
uncontrolled fires?
Uncontrolled fires are a menace to the bio-physical, social and economic environment because of its trail of destruction. Below are statistics of what has happened in the period between 2009 and 2011.
The grand question is what will the year 2012 going to be like as we approach the dry season?
The fire incidences, hectarage, property to be lost and loss of lives have to be reduced.
This reduction is only possible if everyone plays their part. As EMA, we hope this is going to be possible if everyone takes heed of our calls to construct fireguards and act in a responsible manner.
What should property owners and farmers do to prevent veld fires?
It is a statutory requirement under Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 on EIA and Ecosystem Protection, that any land user, owner or occupier of any land to put in place fire prevention mechanisms.
One of these mechanisms is by constructing standard fireguards. A standard fireguard should be at least 9 metres on either side of a boundary and at least 4,5m wide for internal ones.
All fireguards should be free from inflammable material and this is made possible by weekly routine checks of these fireguards.
Fireguards are essential in protecting property and lives of various living organisms, including human beings.
It is in the interest of the protection of our yields, lives and property that farmers need to prioritise the construction of fireguards.
How are fireguards constructed?
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.
The following are some methods of fireguard construction-using an ox drawn plough, tractor drawn plough and employing controlled burning.
First create fire traces which are strips of cleared areas on either side of the fireguard area and burn the outstanding grass.
To construct the fireguards by employing prescribed burning one should develop fire traces first.
A fire trace 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.
Using hoes and racks
NB; Construction of fireguards should be on the calendar (May/June) of all land users and/or property owners.
When constructing fireguards using controlled burning, what precautionary measures should l take?
When constructing fireguards it is important to consider the prevailing weather conditions:
l It is generally advised and most preferred for one to do the exercise on a calm day.
l Windy days should be avoided at all costs
l Burning should be done during the morning when dew is still present and grass will be less flammable.
l Burning during the midday can be done but only on moist soil.
l Necessary fire-fighting equipment should be mobilised prior to burning, in case the fire gets out of hand and need to be suppressed.
l Before any burning commences 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.
What EMA is doing to reduce
veld fire incidences?
The Agency implements a number of strategies in an effort to reduce veld fires which includes:
l Law enforcement;
l Public awareness;
l Continuous active surveillance on fire. (Real Time Fire Monitoring — the Agency houses the National Fire Monitoring Station which picks on all fires nationwide).
l Carrying out fireguard construction demonstration projects in the country.
l Working with traditional leaders and incorporating indigenous technical knowledge systems in fire management
l The formation fire-fighting teams in all the rural wards in Zimbabwe in order to enhance community preparedness
l School debates in schools on fire issues and environmental protection.
l School talks/addresses.
l Radio programmes, e.g. Zvakatikombe-redza
l Roads shows.