HARARE, Jun 1 (NewsDay Live) - Beitbridge District has launched its 2026 Fire Season Campaign, rallying communities to strengthen fire prevention measures ahead of the peak veld fire period, which traditionally runs during the dry winter months.
The campaign was officially launched at Swereki Secondary School amid growing concerns over the destructive impact of veld fires on lives, property, livestock and the environment.
The Forestry Commission led the initiative in partnership with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), ZRBF 2-Cesvi, Beitbridge Rural District Council and the Peace Parks Foundation.
Organisers said the campaign seeks to raise awareness on fire prevention and equip local communities with the skills and tools needed to respond to fire outbreaks.
The launch featured demonstrations of traditional firefighting techniques by local ward teams and a high-tech mock fire simulation conducted by the Beitbridge Fire Crew.
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Communities in Wards 7, 8 and 9 also received new firefighting equipment aimed at improving preparedness and response capacity at grassroots level.
The Forestry Commission has consistently urged landowners, farmers and communities to construct and maintain standard fireguards, avoid uncontrolled burning and promptly report fire incidents.
The campaign forms part of ongoing national efforts to reduce the incidence of veld fires and minimise environmental and economic losses during the 2026 fire season.