-as EMA reports sharp decline in veld fire losses as 2025 restriction period ends
MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has released a comprehensive update on the 2025 fire restriction period, which officially ran from 31 July to 30 November 2025.
The report in the possession of The Midweek Watch reveals a significant reduction in veld fire incidences and damages compared to the previous year.
The update was confirmed by EMA spokesperson, Amkela Sidange.
According to Sidange, although the wet spell experienced in most parts of the country has helped reduce fire outbreaks, the public is urged to remain vigilant as some areas still have dry biomass capable of fuelling veld fires.
EMA reported a cumulative 1 985 314.73 hectares burnt from 2 997 fire incidents recorded between July and November 2025.
This marks a major drop from 4 554 incidents and 2 982 964.33 hectares burnt during the same period in 2024, reflecting a 34.19% decrease in burnt land and a 0.24% decrease in fire incidents.
However, despite the decline in total land burnt, the average area burnt per single fire incident increased significantly, rising from 196.9 hectares in 2024 to 635.2 hectares in 2025.
EMA attributes this to strong, dry weather conditions that dominated the last two months of the fire restriction period.
In one notable incident in Mashonaland Central, a veld fire burning at over 1000 hectares per hour tore through seven villages across three wards, destroying 32 homesteads and claiming livestock in the process.
Although the country recorded fewer fires, the intensity of some outbreaks resulted in tragic losses.
EMA confirmed that three human lives were lost due to veld fires in 2025. The fires also destroyed property valued at US$1 489 432.14, including community infrastructure and farming equipment.
Provincial analysis showed that Mashonaland West Province topped the list with 43.57% of land burnt, followed by Mashonaland Central (14.51%) and Mashonaland East (14.01%).
Highly urbanised provinces such as Harare and Bulawayo recorded the lowest figures due to improved urban planning and reduced open spaces.
Sidange noted that the improvements achieved this year were largely the result of joint training programs, increased community awareness, real-time satellite monitoring, and strengthened collaboration with law enforcement.
EMA also issued 73 tickets, opened 24 dockets, and served 1 509 environmental protection orders to offenders who violated fire management regulations.
She emphasised that prevention efforts must continue into 2026, with all stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, rural communities, planning authorities, and safari operators, expected to integrate veld fire management into their annual planning.
“As the year 2025 ends, we call upon every citizen and institution to remain alert and to mainstream veld fire management into their activities,” Sidange said. “Prevention of veldfires is everyone’s responsibility, play your part,” she added.
