Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
MANICALAND has recorded a significant decline in veld fire incidents and the extent of land destroyed this year, although authorities remain concerned after two people lost their lives in separate fire-related incidents.
According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the province had recorded 175 veld fire incidents that destroyed 15 775 hectares of land by October 29, compared to 357 incidents that ravaged 36 057 hectares during the same period last year.
The figures translate to a reduction of 182 fire incidents and more than 20 281 hectares of land saved from destruction.
EMA Manicaland environmental education and publicity officer, Mrs Alice Rutsvara, said the decline reflects the impact of ongoing awareness campaigns and fire prevention measures being implemented across the province.
“As the province battles fires ahead of the peak of the fire season, we have recorded fewer veld fires and less land destroyed compared to the same period last year. As of October 29, a total of 15 775,30 hectares had been destroyed in 175 fire incidents, compared to 36 057 hectares lost in 357 incidents during the same period last year,” she said.
Despite the encouraging statistics, Mrs Rutsvara said two people had died in separate veld fire incidents while preparing for the upcoming farming season.
The first victim, Ms Letty Matore (97) of Nyamapere Village under Chief Katerere in Nyanga, reportedly died after being trapped by a veld fire while collecting grass for use during the rainy season.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident.
He said Ms Matore left home on October 20 at around midday to cut grass while carrying a metal tin containing charcoal. She was later caught in a veld fire and died at the scene.
The second victim, Mr Charles Saha (54), was burnt to death while clearing land and burning plant residue in preparation for the farming season.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Saha informed his wife, Ms Pindukai Timire (54), that he was going to clear land before leaving home at around 3pm.
Upon reaching the field, he allegedly started a fire to burn plant residue but failed to contain the flames as they spread rapidly.
His wife rushed to the scene after noticing that the fire had grown out of control and discovered him dead.
Mrs Rutsvara said investigations into both incidents are continuing, warning that veld fires can quickly become deadly when not properly managed.
“These incidents demonstrate how rapidly fires can spread and become uncontrollable, resulting in the loss of human life,” she said.
She added that veld fires continue to threaten livelihoods by destroying homes, tourism facilities, grazing land, crops, forests, plantations, wildlife habitats and other valuable environmental resources.
EMA said the major causes of veld fires in Manicaland include land clearing by farmers, illegal hunting, artisanal mining activities and deliberate acts of arson.
Mrs Rutsvara urged farmers and land users to abandon unsafe burning practices and adopt safer methods of land preparation and residue management.
“EMA is appealing to all farmers and land users to adopt safe and environmentally friendly land preparation methods and avoid the use of fire, which can easily spread out of control and result in the loss of life, property, livestock and natural resources,” she said.
To curb the threat, EMA has intensified awareness and prevention campaigns throughout the province.
Mrs Rutsvara said the agency has conducted 950 fire awareness campaigns targeting communities, schools, churches, farming areas and business centres.
“The campaigns are aimed at educating the public on the dangers of veld fires and their legal obligations under the Environmental Management Act. We are also working closely with traditional leaders, local authorities, Government departments, farmers and community groups to strengthen fire prevention and preparedness,” she said.
She said landowners and occupiers are being encouraged to construct and maintain standard fireguards around their properties as required by law.
EMA is also carrying out inspections and compliance monitoring exercises to assess whether property owners are adhering to fire prevention regulations.
The enforcement drive has so far resulted in seven tickets being issued to offenders.
Mrs Rutsvara said community firefighting teams are being trained and equipped to improve response times, while investigations continue against individuals whose negligence results in veld fires.
She urged farmers, miners, transport operators and other land users to exercise caution during land preparation activities, warning that the consequences of veld fires extend far beyond the destruction of vegetation.
“Communities must remain vigilant and avoid practices that can trigger fires, particularly during field preparation and vegetation clearing. Preventing veld fires is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.
Veld fires kill two despite sharp decline
