EMA’s Zimbabwe fire risk model for year the 2025

Rutendo Chirume

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has issued a warning on the high likelihood of veldfires this year due to an increase in biomass following the heavy rains received during the 2024/2025 rainy season.

This alert was made during the Masvingo Provincial Fire Week launch at the Gutu Rural District Council offices on May 28.

Running under the theme ‘Prevent Veldfires: Protect the Environment’, the event was meant to raise awareness and encourage preventive measures, particularly in rural areas where uncontrolled fires often lead to the loss of property, livestock, and human lives.

Speaking at the event, EMA Environmental Officer-Planning and Monitoring Wilfred Muchono said the country faced a high risk (43 percent) to medium risk (27 percent) of veldfires.

Muchono explained that areas classified under extreme risk accounted for 13 percent, while those under high risk accounted for 55.47%.  He said the current model demonstrates that only 12% of the country fell under the low-risk category.

“In preparation of the 2025 fire season, EMA has done a fire risk assessment model meant to identify the fire risk zones in the country. The country is generally at high risk 43% to medium 27% to veld fires in 2025. The low risk zones cover 12% while an area which is in extreme risk to fires covers 18% of the country. The areas that are highly exposed to the veldfires are Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, Midlands and Manicaland provinces.

“The medium to high fire risk districts have to be carefully and closely monitored as they cumulate in the extreme fire risk zones,” said Muchono.

He said failure to manage abundant biomass created heightened the risk especially towards the end of fire season in October and November.

EMA Masvingo Provincial Manager Milton Muusha urged for greater vigilance to prevent veldfires.

“The prediction calls for fire-tight management plans and strategies in the areas at medium and high fire risk. Communities, especially those in high and extreme risk zones, should begin early preparations and conduct fireguard maintenance to mitigate potential destruction. As indicated in the model, Masvingo is susceptible to high risk of veldfires with Gutu facing the highest risk,” said Muusha.

He urged farmers, local authorities, and traditional leaders to collaborate in fire prevention efforts, including constructing standard fireguards, carrying out awareness campaigns, and avoiding starting fires in the open during windy or dry conditions.