HARARE – The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has called on communities, farmers, landowners and tenants across Zimbabwe to urgently implement veld fire prevention measures ahead of the 2026 Veld Fire Restriction Period, which runs from 1 July to 30 November 2026. 

In a public notice issued ahead of the fire season, EMA reminded stakeholders that veld fires continue to pose a serious threat to lives, property, livestock, wildlife and the environment. The agency urged all land users to take proactive steps to prevent outbreaks and ensure rapid response in the event of fire incidents.

Among the key measures highlighted by EMA is the establishment and maintenance of standard fireguards measuring at least 9 metres wide along external boundaries and 4.5 metres wide for internal fireguards. Communities are also encouraged to form and train fire-fighting teams, ensure firefighting equipment is readily available and accessible, and create alert systems to facilitate swift reporting and response.

EMA further advised landowners and communities to reduce excess biomass through grass harvesting, grazing, hay baling and other sustainable biomass reduction methods. Public awareness campaigns, community meetings and educational programmes have also been recommended to strengthen fire prevention efforts.

The agency warned against lighting fires outside residential or business premises during the restriction period and stressed the importance of immediately reporting any veld fire incidents to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), traditional leaders, local authorities, the Forestry Commission, ARDC, and EMA.

Failure to comply with veld fire prevention regulations may result in penalties including a fine not exceeding Level 14, imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both.

EMA emphasized that preventing veld fires is a collective responsibility and called on all Zimbabweans to play their part in protecting communities, natural resources and the environment during the upcoming fire season.

"Veld fire prevention is everyone's responsibility – play your part," the agency said.