Own Correspondent|The country has witnessed a radical reduction in the total area affected by veld fires from July to October, the Enviromental Management Agency (EMA) has revealed.

According to EMA there has been a three percent reduction in fire incidents. A total of 1 595 fire incidences were recorded Since July 31 this year.

“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has been monitoring the occurrence of veld fire since the 31st of July up to the 31st of October 2018.

“During this period, the availability of dry biomass, heat and wind provide a conducive environment for veld fires to occur. The fire season has come and gone and left a trail of destruction. According to Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007, the fire ends on 31 October of each year but cases of fire incidences will be recorded until the onset of the rainy season hence the Agency will continue to monitor these fires.

“During the period, 3.09% of Zimbabwe’s total land area was burnt, down from 3.29% in 2017. The actual total burnt area was 1 190 174.89 Ha emanating from 1 595 fire incidences. This is a 6.2 % decrease in area burnt compared to the 2017 fire season where 1 268 534.31ha were burnt from 2 705 fire incidences,” read part of the statement released by EMA this week.

EMA said the worst affected province was Mashonaland West. “The worst affected provinces were Mashonaland West with 420511.2ha burnt followed by Matabeleland North with 212547.16ha burnt and Mashonaland Central with 153305.44ha burnt.

The six worst affected districts were: Karoi (156 964.58), Hwange (80 566.03), Insiza (77065.50), Makonde (69647.59), Zvimba (61 078.79) and Gweru (51345.85),” EMA said.

Interestingly, this week has seen an increase of fire accidents throughout the country with the latest incident being a fire that broke out in Mbare near Siyaso Complex on Tuesday afternoon.

M&T