The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has announced that 47 fire incidents have been recorded since the onset of the veldfire restriction period. The restriction, which began on July 1 and will extend until November 30, 2024, aims to mitigate the heightened risk of fires during the prolonged dry season.
In a statement, Amkela Sidange Environmental Management Agency the Environmental Education and Publicity Manager said for 2024, the El Nino induced effects have further elongated the dry season thus exacerbating vulnerability to veldfires.
“Since the onset of the 2024 veldfire restriction period, a total of 47 fire incidences that burnt 43 843.11 ha of veld have been recorded compared to 54 971.03 ha burnt from 206 fire incidences in 2023 during the same period,” said Sidange
However, the reduced number of incidents did not prevent tragedy from striking. “In an unfortunate turn of events, a life was lost during efforts to fight a veldfire in the St. Faith’s area of Makoni District. A 55-year-old disabled male adult, confined to his wheelchair, was burnt by the fire and sustained severe burns, passing away on his way to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare,” confirmed Sidange.
The fire originated from a local farmer’s land-clearing activities that spiraled out of control despite community firefighting efforts. The agency has extended its condolences to the bereaved family urging the public to remain vigilant. “One life lost is one too many, Veldfires should be prevented before we lose more lives, property, and the priceless environmental goods and services,” she said
Sidange highlighted the collective responsibility of veldfire prevention, urging a whole-of-government and community-inclusive approach, particularly among farmers, landowners, and tenants.
“It remains everyone’s responsibility to desist from using fire anywhere outside either a residential or commercial premise during the veldfire restriction period as provided by law.” Sidange added
She stressed the importance of protecting the country’s carbon credits in the growing carbon trading market and advised farmers to have fire suppression measures in place to prevent further losses and said EMA will continue to update the public on veldfire status and intensify extension and law enforcement programs to reduce fire incidences.
