By Staff Reporter
Veld fires have ravaged over 43,000 hectares of land this year, a significant decrease compared to the previous year, according to the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
A total of 47 fire incidents have been recorded since the start of the 2024 veld fire restriction period, resulting in the loss of 43 843 hectares of vegetation.
This is a marked decline from the 206 fire incidents that destroyed 54,971 hectares in 2023 during the same period.
EMA environmental education and publicity manager, Amkela Sidange, attributed the decrease to an earlier onset and premature end of the rainy season.
“Since the onset of the 2024 veldfire restriction period, a total of 47 fire incidences that burnt 43 843ha of veld have been recorded compared to 54 971 ha burnt from 206 fire incidences in 2023 during the same period.”
However, the impact of the fires has been devastating, with one life lost in the St Faith’s area of Makoni District.
A 55-year-old disabled man succumbed to severe burns after being caught in a veld fire while confined to his wheelchair.
The fire, allegedly started by a local farmer, quickly spread despite efforts to contain it.
EMA extended its condolences to the bereaved family and urged the public to remain vigilant and prevent the outbreak of wild fires.
Meanwhile, police Commissioner General, Paul Nyathi, highlighted the severe impact of the dry season, exacerbated by El Niño conditions, on the country’s vulnerability to wild fires.
To mitigate the risks, the veld fire restriction period was advanced to July 1 and extended to November 30.
