Roles of stakeholders in veld fire management
Roles of stakeholders in veld fire management
21 June 2018
Published by http://www.chronicle.co.zw/
ZIMBABWE – Veld fires have become one of the most topical environmental issues with terminal effects in Zimbabwe.
Over the years, infrastructure and property worth millions of dollars
have been lost in inferno. Agricultural produce such as maize, soya bean
and wheat have been burnt down by fires thus compromising the nation’s
food security and nutrition status.
Veld fires continue to destroy human life, since 2009 to date, more than
100 lives have been lost in the scourge.
The dry season is fast approaching where conditions will be conducive
for veld fire occurrences.
To fight this scourge and the associated impacts, it’s imperative that
we work together, each stakeholder playing their part.
If we have more players and few spectators then this challenge can be
solved. The following are some of the key stakeholders in veld fire
management and their roles thereof:
1. Traditional Leaders
They are empowered under the Traditional Leaders Act to apprehend and
prosecute environmental law offenders including those that breach veld
fire regulations. Traditional Leaders are encouraged to:
-Spearhead the construction of standard fireguards in their communities.
– Establish fire–fighting teams within the local communities who will
lead the rest of the community in extinguishing veld fires.
-Use traditional courts to sanction veld fire offenders.
– Keep a record of all the veld fire occurrences in their areas since
they are on the ground and to hold fire awareness meetings and campaigns
throughout the fire season.
-Establish a veld fire alert system in every village such as drum beat,
bell/gong or whistle.
2. Farmers
Farms are vulnerable because crop residues act as fuel which is required
for the occurrence of veld fires.
-Farmers should construct standard fireguards every year which are at
least 9m wide on both sides of the farm boundaries and also internal
fireguards which are 4,5m around plantations and fields in order to
protect crops.
– Ensure that fire-fighting equipment such as; water filled knapsack
sprayers and bowsers, fire beaters and sacks are at an accessible point
during the fire season.
-Report all fire incidences to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) or EMA
offices within 7 days.
-Have agreed fire alert systems such as drums, whistles and bells;
– Listen to weather personnel on the fire danger index so as to improve
their state of preparedness.
3. Law Enforcement Agency the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and EMA
-Prosecute veld fire offenders.
-Holds awareness meetings with communities on veld fire management,
– Establishes fire fighting teams in the local communities
4. School Children
School children should:
-Not try to cross over veld fires as this may result in fire related
fatalities.- Immediately report fire incidences to adults such as
parents or teachers before the fires spread and should not in any way
attempt to extinguish the fires in the absence of adults.
-Never climb trees in trying to flee from a veld fire as both the tree
and the children could be burnt to death.
5. Smokers, Motorists and Travellers
– Smokers should extinguish their cigarette stubs before throwing them
away to avoid veld fires.
-Motorists should ensure that car electrical systems are serviced and
mechanical parts such as the exhaust must be tightened to avoid sparks
created after rubbing on to the road.
-Do not drive through flames or areas where your vision is obscured by
smoke from veld fires.
– Travellers boarding early morning buses should completely extinguish
road side fires used to keep warm while waiting for transport. This can
be done using water or moist soil.