Veld fires ravaged 73 566 hectares of land in the Midlands province during last year’s fire season between July and October, a 4,15% increase from the 70 636 hectares destroyed the previous year.
Veld fires have become an annual menace, with the country losing hundreds of thousands of hectares to uncontrolled blazes each year.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) estimates that over 90% of veld fires are caused by human activity — including careless smoking, hunting, honey harvesting, and land clearing — while natural causes like lightning account for a small fraction.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary, Edgar Seenza, said fire prevention must begin at the grassroots level to prevent veld fires. “Climate action begins at the community level, and each fire guard constructed, each hectare protected, and each veld fire prevented represents a direct contribution towards climate action and sustainable development,” Seenza said.
He was speaking at the joint Midlands provincial fire week launch and World Environment Day commemorations at the Midlands State University (MSU) farm last week.
“In 2025, Gweru, Chirumanzu, Kwekwe, and Shurugwi districts were hotspots in terms of veld fires,” Seenza said.
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“We held this launch here at MSU Farm so that everyone can learn how to stop fire.”
He warned that farmers who fail to construct standard fire guards before the end of June would face fines, stressing that the government cannot fight veld fires alone.
“Even traditional leaders have a role to play in protecting the land,” Seenza added, noting that veld fires threaten livelihoods, food security, biodiversity, and critical infrastructure.
EMA Midlands provincial education and publicity officer Oswald Ndlovu said the situation has been exacerbated by the heavy rains received during the 2025/26 farming season, which have created excess biomass that could fuel intense fires.
“The official fire season runs from July 31 to October 30 annually,” Ndlovu said.
“This year we have excess biomass, which might lead to a high risk of veld fires because we received more rains.”
He identified Somabhula and surrounding areas as exceptionally high-risk fire zones due to heavy fuel loads and dense biomass in the province’s vast grasslands.
To date, EMA has issued 600 fire orders to farmers and village heads across the province, mandating the construction of standard fire guards.
The agency has also encouraged communities to venture into hay baling and thatch grass harvesting—activities that not only reduce fire risk but also offer financial benefits to local households.
Fire guards, early warning systems, and community fire-fighting teams have proven effective in reducing fire damage in areas where they are properly implemented.
However, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in remote rural areas where resources are limited.