The Midlands Province has recorded a notable decrease in the number of hectares lost to veld fires during the 2024 fire season, with 53,000 hectares destroyed compared to 76,000 hectares during the same period in 2023. However, authorities warn that veld fires remain a significant threat, especially with farmers already preparing fields for the next planting season.
The fire-prone districts identified include Gweru, Somabhula, Chirumanzu, Gokwe South, Gokwe North, Kwekwe, and Shurugwi.
EMA Midlands Provincial Environmental Education and Publicity Officer, Oswald Ndlovu, noted that while no lives were lost, some farmers in Somabhula suffered losses of hay bales, which poses a serious concern amid the prevailing dry conditions in the country.
“Veld fires have also become a problem in urban areas,” Ndlovu added, explaining that many are ignited when people burn crop residues in preparation for the farming season.
EMA has reminded the public that Zimbabwe is still under the fire restriction period, which began on July 1st, 2024, and runs until November 30th, 2024. The agency has warned that anyone starting fires outside their premises during this period will face penalties.
Farmers are encouraged to form firefighting teams and collaborate in extinguishing fires to reduce damage.
With veld fires increasingly affecting both rural and urban areas, EMA continues to push for greater awareness and community action to limit fire-related losses as the fire season progresses.
