Midlands Correspondent
MIDLANDS has recorded a sharp increase in veld fires with 300 000 hectares destroyed in the province between April and October this year.

Fire destroyed 54 449 hectares during the same period last year.

Poaching and artisanal mining activities have been blamed for causing veld fires.

Statistics released by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) indicate that the hectarage destroyed by veld fires had increased by 500 percent this year compared to last year.

EMA Midlands provincial spokesperson Mr Timothy Nyoka said the authority had intensified a crackdown on people causing veld fires.

“Most veld fires in the province have been caused by hunters who burn the forests and illegal gold panners when they clear land,” he said.

Mr Nyoka said 17 landowners were fined since the beginning of the fire season on July 31. The fire season starts from July 31 to October 31.

“According to the statutory instrument number 7 as read with EMA Act Chapter 20:27, the fire season starts from July 31 to October 31.

“During this period, no person shall light a fire because it will be windy, hot and very difficult to control the fire if it gets out of control.

“Starting fires that end up in veld fires can attract a fine of $500 or a custodial sentence,” he said.

Meanwhile, cattle farmers in Somabula have called on Government to impose lengthy custodial sentences on people who cause veld fire.