MILLICENT HUNGWE
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued a strong warning to the public following a sharp increase in veldfire incidents during the 2025 fire restriction period, which runs from 1 July to 30 November.
According to EMA spokesperson Amkela Sidange, veldfires have already claimed two lives and destroyed vast tracts of land, property, and livelihoods across Zimbabwe.
As of September 19, 1,792 veldfire incidents had been recorded, burning a staggering 582,922.60 hectares of land, this marks a 13.66% reduction in area burnt compared to 2024 but still poses a major threat, especially with a 40.96% decrease in the number of fire outbreaks, showing more intense fires per incident.
The financial loss has been estimated at over US$932,000, including damage to agricultural equipment, homes, and tourism properties.
The worst-hit provinces are Mash West (43.33%), Mashonaland East (17.72%), and Mashonaland Central (14.82%). Urban areas like Bulawayo and Mutare have also experienced fires due to the burning of waste and land clearing.
Sidange noted that the average area burnt per incident has risen sharply to 209.93 hectares in 2025, from 35.31 hectares in 2024, a worrying sign of intensifying fire behavior.
Contributing factors include dry vegetation, rising temperatures, and strong winds, poor fireguard construction and general negligence were also highlighted.
In response, EMA has issued 38 tickets, opened 13 dockets, and served 1,228 environmental protection orders.
The agency is calling on the public to act responsibly clearing proper fireguards, reporting fires early, and cooperating with enforcement bodies like ZRP and traditional leaders.
“The solution lies in collective responsibility,” Sidange stressed. “Veldfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.”
EMA continues to engage communities and stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen fire preparedness during this critical season.
