Veld fires kill two, destroy 750 000ha

Sunday Mail Reporter

TWO people died while more than 750 000 hectares of land have been destroyed in over 3 200 incidents of veld fires since the start of the fire restriction period on July 1, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has confirmed.

This represents a staggering 49,5 percent increase in land loss compared to the same period in 2023, when approximately 507 000 hectares were burnt.

“The veld fires are further stressing the already El Niño drought-impacted ecosystem,” said EMA environmental education and publicity manager Ms Amkela Sidange.

“The average area burnt per incident is also higher in 2024, at 398,7 hectares compared to 335,23 hectares in 2023.”

Tragically, two people have lost their lives and property worth an estimated US$285 192 has been destroyed, primarily affecting agriculture, commercial plantations and the energy sector.

Despite the challenges, EMA, together with its partners, is working tirelessly to combat the fires through awareness campaigns, law enforcement and mitigation measures.

“To date, 21 dockets on fire-related offences have been opened to hold offenders accountable,” she added.

Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East are the hardest-hit provinces, accounting for 48,11 percent, 18,59 percent and 9,77 percent of the total land burnt, respectively.

To mitigate the damage, EMA has implemented various strategies, including harvesting hay bales, constructing fireguards and using natural deterrents like beehives.

“Cumulatively, a total of 1 222 926 hay bales have been harvested, protecting 16 135,3 hectares,” said Ms Sidange.

“Additionally, 6 488,5 kilometres of fireguards have been constructed, protecting 150 050,7 hectares nationwide.

“Farmers should avoid using fire for land preparation and burning stover,” she advised. Last year, about one million hectares of forests and farmland were destroyed in 6 042 incidents of veld fires recorded between July and October.

A 78-year-old Masvingo woman was killed in one of the incidents.