Veld fires consume 850k ha

MORE than 850 000 hectares have been destroyed by veld fires in over 3 700 incidents recorded since the beginning of this year’s fire restriction season in July.

One person was also killed in an inferno.

Over this period, wildfires have destroyed property valued at 000.

In an interview, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) environmental education and publicity manager Mrs Amkela Sidange said: “Since the onset of the fire restriction period on July 31, the country has recorded 3 717 veld fire incidents burning a total land area of 858 361 hectares, with one death.

“Scattered rains received across the country recently contributed to a reduction in fire incidents, as burning of waste and clearing of land for urban farming increased.”

Over the same period last year, she said, EMA had recorded 7 511 veld fire incidents, which destroyed 1 753 055,9ha. The country will remain in the fire restriction period until November 30.

“Law enforcement has resulted in the issuance of 75 tickets and 3 908 environmental protection orders, and opening of 27 dockets on fire offenders.”

“Matabeleland North is currently the most affected province, accounting for 26,5 percent of the incidents, followed by the traditional lead province of Mashonaland West at 26,3 percent. Matabeleland South, at 10,6 percent, is the third most affected province.”

Resettlement, forest and safari areas were the most affected.

Ms Sidange said the anticipated El Niño-induced weather conditions were likely to result in an extended dry season, increasing the prevalence of veld fires going into 2024.

“Landowners, users, tenants and occupiers are urged to invest in sustainable veld fire management strategies to protect the environment, property and life,” she added.

“The agency — working with communities and landowners — implemented several biomass reduction strategies, including thatch grass combing and hay baling. A total of 14 114,06km of fireguards were opened, protecting 1 486 239,72ha of land.”