Six die in veld fires

SIX people have died while property worth thousands of dollars has been destroyed by veld fires across the country between July and October this year.

This is a sharp decrease from 16 deaths that were recorded during the same period last year. The country’s fire season spans from 31 July to 21 October.

In a statement, last week Environmental Management Agency ( EMA) education and publicity manager Mr Steady Kangata said there was a 12 percent decrease in veld fire incidences from last year’s fire season.

Mr Kangata also noted a 10 percent decrease in the total hectarage destroyed by veld fires from last year.

He attributed the decrease to co-operation by stakeholders and members of the public in fighting veld fires.

A total of 1 652 fire incidences were recorded between 31 July and 31 October fire season compared to 1 881 incidences that were recorded during the same period last year.

About 1 197 335,52 hectares were destroyed by fire during this year’s fire season compared to 1 336 746,77 ha burnt during same period last year.

“We attribute the reduction in both the fire incidences and hectarage burnt to the co-operation we got from the various stakeholders such as traditional leaders, farmers, and general community members,” said Mr Kangata.

The EMA spokesperson added, “Veld fire incidences increased this last month of October because of the high temperatures experienced during that period. Nonetheless, the fires were confined to road servitudes.”

He said the agency would continue working with various stakeholders to curb veld fires, despite the fire season having come to an end.

“Although the fire season has statutorily come to an end we will continue to be on high alert until the country receives substantial rains to break the fire triangle where the conditions will not allow any further fire outbreaks,” he said.