Fire season is here – Play your part to prevent veld fires!
THE fire season starts from July 31 up to October 31 each year. However, with climate change at hand, the period stretches up to the onset of the rainy season. During this period, the risk of runaway fires is high due to the availability of dry biomass, heat and wind, which are the necessary conditions for the spread of veld fires.
In the past rainy season Zimbabwe received above average rainfall which caused the growth of massive vegetation.
As such, the fire risk this year is higher compared to previous years owing to the huge amounts of fuel load in the veldts.
Therefore, let us all be alert and join hands in the fight against this catastrophic scourge which has destroyed the environment, life and property in the past decade.
During the fire season;
Do not start open fires at any place other than the homestead because of the high risk of potential runaway fires.
Regularly maintain your fireguards to make sure that they are free from any flammable material. Ensure the availability of adequate fire-fighting equipment such as; water filled bowsers, knapsack sprayers, fire beaters and wet sacks. These should be at accessible points throughout the fire season. Form fire-fighting teams or committees which can educate their communities on the best practices when putting out veldt fires. Communities should monitor areas from which most veld fires originate so that they will not be caught off-guard. Communities should also put in place fire warning systems like bells, drumbeats and whistles, in order to warn their inhabitants about a veldt fire incident.
Continue reducing fuel load through harvesting thatch and broom grass as well as hay baling.
What to avoid
Do not use flammable material to
put out a veld fire. The following should not participate in extinguishing veld fires because of the risks associated; Pregnant women, Children, The elderly, The sick, The drunk and The mentally challenged Send your feedback to; eep@ ema.co.zw, like us on Facebook and twitter or visit our website www.ema.co.zw . Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305550/ 305407/ 305188 and Toll-free 08080028; or use our Whatsapp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.