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By Priscilla Mafa
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Zvishavane District has called on members of the public to exercise extreme caution during the 2026 fire season, warning that veld fires continue to threaten lives, property, infrastructure and the environment.
Speaking on MSU Radio, EMA Environmental Officer, Sally Maguvu said the fire season officially commenced on 1 July following its gazetting by the Government, marking the period when strict measures to prevent veld fires come into effect.
She said the dry conditions experienced during this time of the year make vegetation highly susceptible to ignition, increasing the risk of rapidly spreading fires.
"The fire season officially began on 1 July after it was gazetted by the Government. During this period, we urge members of the public to avoid starting fires in the open because the dry vegetation ignites very easily, making it difficult to control fires once they start," said Maguvu.
Maguvu warned that uncontrolled veld fires have devastating consequences, destroying homes, household property, crops, grazing land, wildlife habitats and critical infrastructure, while also degrading the environment.
"A single unattended fire can spread within minutes and result in the destruction of homes, furniture, crops, grazing land, wildlife habitats and other valuable property. We therefore encourage everyone to take responsibility and avoid lighting fires outside their homes during the fire season," she said.
She also urged communities to play an active role in fire prevention by reporting outbreaks as soon as they occur and implementing measures that reduce the risk of fires spreading.
"Communities should remain vigilant throughout the fire season. We encourage people to report any fire outbreaks promptly and, where necessary, construct standard fireguards around their properties and fields as a preventive measure," she added.
EMA continues to conduct nationwide awareness campaigns on veld fire prevention, encouraging communities, farmers and landowners to adopt responsible environmental practices.
The agency says collective action is essential in reducing the devastating impact of veld fires on communities, livelihoods and Zimbabwe's natural ecosystems during the fire season.
Speaking on MSU Radio, EMA Environmental Officer, Sally Maguvu said the fire season officially commenced on 1 July following its gazetting by the Government, marking the period when strict measures to prevent veld fires come into effect.
She said the dry conditions experienced during this time of the year make vegetation highly susceptible to ignition, increasing the risk of rapidly spreading fires.
"The fire season officially began on 1 July after it was gazetted by the Government. During this period, we urge members of the public to avoid starting fires in the open because the dry vegetation ignites very easily, making it difficult to control fires once they start," said Maguvu.
Maguvu warned that uncontrolled veld fires have devastating consequences, destroying homes, household property, crops, grazing land, wildlife habitats and critical infrastructure, while also degrading the environment.
"A single unattended fire can spread within minutes and result in the destruction of homes, furniture, crops, grazing land, wildlife habitats and other valuable property. We therefore encourage everyone to take responsibility and avoid lighting fires outside their homes during the fire season," she said.
She also urged communities to play an active role in fire prevention by reporting outbreaks as soon as they occur and implementing measures that reduce the risk of fires spreading.
"Communities should remain vigilant throughout the fire season. We encourage people to report any fire outbreaks promptly and, where necessary, construct standard fireguards around their properties and fields as a preventive measure," she added.
EMA continues to conduct nationwide awareness campaigns on veld fire prevention, encouraging communities, farmers and landowners to adopt responsible environmental practices.
The agency says collective action is essential in reducing the devastating impact of veld fires on communities, livelihoods and Zimbabwe's natural ecosystems during the fire season.
Published
July 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM
