Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has recorded a 16,69 percent decline in veld fire incidents so far in 2026 compared to last year, with authorities attributing the reduction to early mitigation measures, satellite monitoring and increased community participation.
Responding to questions from Zimpapers, Environmental Management Agency (EMA)
Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Mrs Amkela Sidange said the country recorded 988 fire incidents between July 31 and September 3, 2026.
She said the fires burnt a cumulative 343 258,68 hectares of land, down from 1 186 incidents and 421 474,56 hectares burnt during the same period in 2025.
“The average area burnt per incident is significantly lower in 2026 at 276,79 hectares compared to 460,91 hectares as of 3 September 2025. This reduction is attributed to collective, proactive action across the Government sector and other key stakeholders,” said Mrs Sidange.
Despite the overall decline in fire incidents, fire-related fatalities have increased slightly.
Mrs Sidange said three adults aged over 64 have died in fire-related incidents this season, compared to two during the same period in 2025.
One of the deaths recorded in 2026 occurred before the official fire season began.
The agency said land preparation activities before July 31 resulted in an additional 186,979 hectares being burnt from 627 pre-season fire incidents in 2026.
Mrs Sidange said EMA and its partners have intensified prevention measures under the National Veld Fire Management Action Plan.
She said communities harvested 2 343 554 hay bales, protecting 143 800,8 hectares, while 4 825,96 kilometres of fireguards were constructed, safeguarding 586 839,3 hectares.
In addition, 1 150 043 bundles of thatch grass were harvested, protecting 102 154,6 hectares, while 3 045 kilometres of road servitudes were cleared to serve as firebreaks.
A total of 1 851 beehives were also distributed as alternative livelihood projects aimed at reducing the use of open fires in rangelands.
The agency is also using satellite technology for near real-time fire monitoring in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
“In 2026, 31 tickets have been issued so far, up from 12 in 2025, and 1 438 fire orders have been served compared to 1 227 last year,” said Mrs Sidange.
She identified early land preparation by farmers and El Niño-induced conditions as major risk factors for severe veld fires.
With the fire restriction period running from July 31 to November 30 under Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007, EMA has urged the public to comply with fire regulations and refrain from lighting fires outside residential or commercial premises, including for rubbish disposal and land clearing.
Landowners have also been urged to construct and maintain standard fireguards of at least nine metres wide around properties and fields.
EMA said there is a need to reduce fuel loads through sustainable practices such as thatch harvesting, hay baling and grass combing for livestock feed instead of burning vegetation.
“Set up local firefighting teams, ensure equipment is ready, and establish alert networks,” she said.
“Report fire incidents or offenders within seven days to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), traditional leaders, Agritex, EMA, Forestry Commission or local authorities. Veld fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility – Play your part,” said Mrs Sidange.
The veld fire season typically peaks between September and November when vegetation is at its driest.
