EMA welcomes drop in veld fires

Masvingo has experienced a drop in the hectarage destroyed by veld fires this year, with only 4 500 hectares having been ravaged since the beginning of the fire season. Last year, nearly 18 000 hectares were ravaged by wild fires across the province.

The fire season starts from July 1 every year and ends on October 31. Environmental Management Agency Masvingo provincial manager Mr Milton Muusha hailed the dip in the hectarage destroyed by fire since the start of the fire season.

He said his organisation would continue to support the use of fire-suppression measures.

“The area destroyed was lost to 14 fire incidences reported across the province since the beginning of the fire season and in Gutu 1 945,93ha have so far been destroyed by fire, while Chiredzi tops the list with 2 811,17ha that have been destroyed so far,” he said.

Mr Muusha urged land users to ensure that their fire fighting equipment was in good condition, while also putting in place fire pre-suppression measures.

“We would want to urge our land users out there to continue with work to put in place all fire pre-suppression measures, such as the construction of fire guards around farms, as well as harvesting of grass to make hay bales and grass for thatching,” he said.

“We also urge land users to ensure that their fire fighting mechanisms are in place. Their trained fire fighters should always be alert and their fire fighting equipment in good working conditions.

“Traditional leaders, environment committees and monitors should continue to raise awareness, as well as bringing to book all culprits responsible for starting fires.”