Zimbabwe faces an increased risk of destructive veld fires this dry season, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) warned on Tuesday, ahead of the launch of the 2026 National Fire Week in Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, on 13 May 2026.
The national event, to be held under the theme “Prevent, Protect, Preserve: Combating Veld Fires Together”, also marks the launch of the Integrated Fire Management Project. Similar awareness campaigns will be rolled out in all provinces and districts to strengthen community participation in veld fire prevention.
National Fire Week, marked in the second week of May each year, signals the start of the veld fire prevention campaign. EMA said the risk this year is high due to heavy grass biomass from the recent rainy season, coupled with dry and windy conditions expected in the coming months.
Human activities such as clearing land using fire, illegal hunting and unattended fires remain key causes of outbreaks.
“Veld fires are not just seasonal incidents; they are a national threat affecting lives, livelihoods, biodiversity, agriculture, infrastructure and the environment,” EMA said in a public notice.
The agency said veld fires destroy grazing land, forests, crops, wildlife habitats and property. They also worsen air pollution, contribute to climate change, and threaten food security.
EMA urged communities, farmers, businesses and schools to take collective responsibility. It advised the public to construct fireguards at least 9 metres wide around farms and homesteads, avoid open fires during windy conditions, and ensure cigarette stubs are properly extinguished.
EMA also urged farms and villages to mobilise firefighting equipment, train firefighting teams, and report outbreaks immediately to authorities.
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