Omega Ukama 
A total of 1 652 incidents were recorded during the 2016 fire season, resulting in 1 197 335 hectares of land being destroyed.
OVER one million hectares and property worth over $300 000 was lost to veldt fires during the 2017 “fire season”.
Veldt fires have become a persistent environmental challenge in Zimbabwe destroying natural resources, property and life.
The Livestock Report Update of May 25 from the Environmental Management Agency shows that 3,29 percent of total land area was burnt across the country.
“A hectarage of 1 268 534 hectares was lost, with the leading cause being land clearing activities. Property including agricultural equipment, household goods, plantations, livestock and transport systems amounting to an estimated value of $314 509 has been destroyed,” the report said.
A first veldt fire management meeting for 2018, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Climate, was held on May 10 to validate reports on 2017 activities and submit 2018 action plans and targets for fire prevention, forecast and reduction of incidence.
“Some of the activities carried out to curb fires, which will also be carried forward into the forthcoming fire season include encouraging, and training on, construction of fire guards, holding fire management meetings to raise awareness, establishment and training of fire fighting teams especially in the communal areas,” the report said.
The “fire season” commences on May 31 until October at the start of the rainy season. During this season, 65 percent of the country is forecast to be at medium to high risk for incidence of fire, a prediction based on mapped vegetation and previous fire history.
A total of 1 652 incidents were recorded during the 2016 fire season, resulting in 1 197 335 hectares of land being destroyed. The blazes killed seven people while property worth $84 787 and plantations valued at $152 736 were destroyed by the veldt fires. Agricultural produce, farm equipment and livestock valued at $4 046 were also lost in 2016.
Stakeholders have been urged to ensure that they put the appropriate fire suppression measures in place and be proactive in protecting the environment.
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