EMA bans open fires outside homes as veld fire season starts 1 July

EMA bans open fires outside homes as veld fire season starts 1 July

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The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has reminded farmers, landowners, traditional leaders and communities to put fire prevention measures in place ahead of the 2026 veld fire restriction period, which runs from 1 July to 30 November 2026.

In a public notice, EMA said the restriction period has been gazetted and urged stakeholders to activate prevention and suppression systems to reduce damage caused by veld fires each year.

Among the measures outlined is the establishment of standard fireguards around farms and properties. EMA said external boundary fireguards must be at least nine metres wide on either side of a fence or boundary line, while internal fireguards should be at least 4.5 metres wide. All fireguards must be cleared of flammable material.

EMA also called on communities to establish and train firefighting teams at both farm and village level and to keep them on high alert throughout the season. The agency said firefighting equipment should be readily available and easily accessible, and that local fire alert systems should be set up for rapid responses to outbreaks.

Other prevention steps include reducing excess biomass through thatch grass harvesting, grass combing and hay baling, as well as running continuous awareness campaigns at public gatherings and meetings.

During the restriction period, EMA warned against the use of fire outside residential or business premises. It said any veld fires must be reported immediately to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, traditional leaders, local authorities, the Forestry Commission, the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (AARDS) and EMA.

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EMA said failure to comply with the regulations may attract a fine not exceeding Level 14, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

For communities in Mashonaland Central, where dry-season veld fires can destroy grazing land, crops, fencing and wildlife habitats, EMA’s guidance places emphasis on early preparation, coordinated community response teams and maintaining clear fireguards before the peak risk period begins.

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