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Veld fires have been a characteristic annual catastrophe in the past decade destroying over a million hectares yearly. The 2015 fire season affected a total of 1 510 342,77 hectares from a total of 2 464 fire incidences countrywide. These fires resulted in 16 fire related deaths up from the 12 lives we lost in the 2014 fire season.In addition, agricultural equipment, farming inputs, household property and plantations worth $398 688 were also gutted down by fire in the reporting period. We are faced with yet another dry period ahead that follows a rainy season which promoted the growth of tall grasses in most parts of the country. As such, there is plenty of biomass; material that constitutes the fuel load for potentially violent veld fires. In response to the fire scourge, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) carries out a Fire Risk Prediction which Informs fire risk zones and helps to plan interventions. It is based on normalised difference vegetation index and previous fire history.

According to the prediction, the Provinces that are most likely to be affected by veld fires include; Manicaland, Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West. This therefore means that anti-veld fire awareness programmes will be intensified in these areas. In addition, the second week of May each year has been declared the National Fire Week as guided by the National fire strategy of 2006. The events for the week are meant to raise awareness on the need to protect the environment from veld fires. The National Fire Week is meant to be commemorated at every level; National, Provincial, District, Ward and Village.

Leaders at the various levels are therefore encouraged to take note and ensure the people they lead are sensitised on the need to prevent veld fires during this week. It is also crucial for farming communities to be knowledgeable of the preparations to be undertaken prior to the dry season and July 31 up to the onset of the rainy season when it is prohibited to start a fire outside residential or commercial premise.

How do you protect your

property from veld fires?

Every land owner has a responsibility to put in place the necessary fire suppression measures in and around their properties as stipulated in the Forest Act (Chapter 19:05) and Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 (Environmental Impact Assessment and Ecosystems Protection) Regulations.

According to these laws, it is an offence for a land owners and occupier not to take fire preventative measures such as the construction of standard fire guards which are at least 9 metres wide right round their property before the onset of the fire season. Fire protection on properties should be planned; it is much more effective if it is co-ordinated. Farm owners can unite to construct fire guards around their properties.

What steps should be taken?

It is very important to plan the required fire protection measures in good time. A farmer needs to determine the precautionary measures that should be taken to limit the spread of a fire. The measures include the following;

The construction of fire guards that are at least 9metres wide along the farm boundary with the co-operation of your neighbour, by the months of May and June every year;

The construction of internal fire guards which are 4,5m wide around fields and plantations to protect crops;

Controlled burning of areas with thick vegetation to reduce biomass. This should however be done well before the fire season.

Ensure that firefighting equipment is in place at an accessible point; bowsers or knapsack sprayers filled with water and fire beaters during the fire season.

Use ox-drawn ploughs, tractors or hoes to construct fireguards.

Inspect fireguards regularly to make sure that they are free of any combustible material.

Organise and request Forestry Commission and EMA to train firefighting teams for your farms or community.

Have fire alert systems such as drums, whistles, gongs and bells;

Listen to weather personnel on the fire danger index so as to improve your state of preparedness.

Bear in mind however that no fireguard will stop a fire in all conditions; firebreaks enable farmers to fight or counter fires.

Veld fires and the collaborative approach

A collaborative approach is needed when it comes to preventing veld fires. Farmers need to discuss with their neighbours on the fire protection measures and the steps they will take in the event of a fire. Neighbours formulate an action plan together so that each one knows what is expected of him/her in event of a fire. It is advisable that farmers enter into a written agreement with the owners of adjoining land with regards burning of fire-breaks, boundary agreed upon or on the common boundary. Fire-breaks needed on the boundary can be prepared together with adjoining owners.

If an agreement cannot be reached on the construction of fireguards, consult with local leadership. The agreement should state the date by which fireguard construction should be completed, the width, length, location of the fireguards and the sharing of costs. Any person intending to undertake controlled burning should notify his neighbour at least 14 days in advance. It is advisable that the neighbour be present on the day of burning.

Some thoughts with regards to fire protection on the farm. Unintentional fires start countless times in ash pits; hot ash is thrown out and sets other flammable materials alight.

Ensure that the area around the ash pit is clear of dry grass, crop residues and other materials that burn.

Report all sewer bursts and illegal dumps to EMA and your Local Authority.