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    HomeNehanda GuardianThree die from veld fires

    Three die from veld fires

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    By Takabvirakare Chipiwa

    MOUNT DARWIN – THREE people have died from veld fires since July  nationally, as Mount Darwin suffered serious destruction to properties and the environment from fires during the past two months

    The tragic part of it is that majority of the veld fires are started intentionally by individuals within the community, showing that the campaign messages by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and  the role of traditional leaders are going unheeded and that enforcement measures are not having a sufficient deterrent effect.

    Some of the reasons offered by individuals for starting the veld fires are that by doing so, they would be destroying ticks, making land preparation for the 2024/2025 summer agricultural season, and hunting.

    Regrettably, the veld fires end up destroying properties such as houses and furniture and in a number of cases, causing serious losses of people’s lives.

    The Environmental Management Agency said that since the beginning of the fire season in July up to September 27, 2024, a total area of 894 402.9 hectares of land had been burnt by 4076 fire incidences, compared the same period in 2023, when a total area of 744 431.23hectares were burnt as a result of 3 067 incidences.

    The veld fire land loss has increased by 20.15 percent in 2024, stressing how serious the drought has affected the ecosystem.

    EMA says an analysis of the average area burnt per incident is higher at 897.56 ha in 2024 compared to 227.21 ha in 2023.

    “This calls for stakeholders using the whole of government approach to continue raising awareness on veld fire management especially veld fire prevention. In terms of human life the country has lost three lives to date.”

    The total value of property lost from key economic enablers such as agriculture, tourism, plantations and communication sector is estimated at US$ 317 702 cumulatively.

    EMA says so far 25 dockets on fire related offences have been opened to allow for offenders to be held accountable for the violations. The fire risk modelling reviewed that the country is generally at medium to high risk to veld fires in 2024.

    Provinces highly exposed are Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Manicaland but the recent rainfalls had led to a decrease in the weekly area of land burned, although the figures remain elevated.

    EMA recommended that farmers implement effective fire suppression strategies during their land preparation activities. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that vulnerable groups, including the young, elderly, and those with health issues, do not engage in firefighting efforts to protect their well-being.

    The fire restriction period ends on November 30.

    The alarming increase in veld fires poses a grave threat to the environment and communities. The recent spate of fires serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to these restrictions and exercising caution during this fire season.

    Veld fires not only destroy precious ecosystem and wildlife habitats but also endanger lives and properties and the dry conditions coupled with strong winds create perfect conditions for the fires to spread rapidly and uncontrollably.

    A contributory factor to the fires spreading is that the majority of the people in both communal and resettled areas are reluctant to construct fire guards or to fight any veld fires that break out in their communities.

    This suggests that awareness campaigns are needed to alert communities to the dangers of veld fires, to deepen the warnings, as well as how to avoid them.

    There are simple things which need to be done and followed so as to prevent outbreaks of these fires, and to protect property and lives.

    However, over and above the campaigns by EMA and the role of traditional leaders, it is imperative that all individuals and communities take responsibility for preventing veld fires by strictly following the regulations set forth during this period.

    Simple actions like refraining from open burning, properly extinguishing cigarettes and reporting all cases of open fires can make a significant difference in averting potential disasters.

    By working together and by being vigilant and proactive all members of communities – whether in communal areas or resettled areas – can protect the environment and ensure the safety of lives, property and animals – both domestic and wildlife. – Rural Communications Service.

    New Ziana

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