Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
ZIMBABWE is experiencing a shocking start to this year’s fire season, which runs from 31 July to 30 November, as infernos tear through homes, businesses, farms and iconic landmarks.
From leafy Burnside in Bulawayo to the bustling DST market in Gweru and the once-famous Elephant Lodge along Gwanda Road, flames have already reduced property worth millions to smoking rubble.
In Burnside on 26 August, panic and disbelief gripped residents when a bush-clearing fire spun out of control, destroying a mansion and property valued at US$500 000.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said the blaze flared during the restricted fire season, while police warned “starting fires now is a criminal offence.”
“Community safety is everyone’s business,” said Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu.
The following day, Gweru traders were left in despair as over 50 DST market stalls went up in smoke. Furniture, fridges, sewing machines and electrical goods vanished in minutes.
“The fire destroyed everything. My wardrobes, sofas and fridges are gone,” sobbed trader Netsai Phiri. Investigators blame an electrical fault.
Even landmarks are not safe. On 26 August again, Elephant Lodge, once Jamaica Inn and a hotspot for international acts like UB40, was gutted for the second year running by a veld fire suspected to have spread from nearby bushland.
Owner Tony Do Santos watched helplessly as firefighters battled the roaring inferno through the night.
The numbers tell a grim story. EMA reports 419 fires this season have already destroyed over 116 000 hectares of land, with last year’s same period tally hitting 1 856 fires wiping out 490 000 hectares.
EMA Matabeleland South spokesperson Simon Musasiwa said: “Recurring fires are killing livestock, destroying grazing land and wiping out biodiversity. Plastic waste has even killed stud animals.”
Authorities are on high alert, training villagers and farmers to build fireguards, clear dry vegetation and manage land safely. But warnings alone may not be enough.
One careless spark can turn dreams, livelihoods and history into ash. This fire season has erupted with a vengeance, and Zimbabweans are staring down a blazing nightmare before the peak even begins.
