Story by Tichaona Kurewa
MATABELELAND North Province has raised concern over a sharp increase in veld fires, with more than 80 000 hectares of land destroyed in 2025, a 72 percent rise from 47 000 hectares recorded in 2024, prompting authorities to intensify prevention and enforcement measures.
The spike in fire outbreaks has triggered urgent calls for coordinated action to safeguard the environment, particularly as eco-based economic activities such as tourism remain central to the province’s economic development agenda.
This emerged during the belated National Fire Week launch held in Matabeleland North Province, where stakeholders warned of growing environmental and economic risks linked to uncontrolled fires.
Acting Director for Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management in Matabeleland North, Mr MacMaster Mtetwa, said communities must adopt responsible land use practices to curb the escalating fire incidents.
“As the province launches this Fire Week, let us commit ourselves to preventing veld fires through responsible land use, protecting forests and wetlands, and preserving our environment for future generations. This is not just about reducing hectares burnt, but about safeguarding livelihoods, biodiversity and food security. Government’s stance is clear: zero tolerance for uncontrolled veld fires. Law enforcement will be strengthened, surveillance increased and offenders prosecuted. At the same time, communities must be empowered with knowledge, equipment and early warning systems, while development partners are called upon to assist,” Acting Director for Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management, Matabeleland North, Mr MacMaster Mtetwa said.
The second week of May marks the beginning of the national anti-wildfire campaign. Authorities say illegal activities such as poaching continue to fuel veld fires across the province.
“Our investigations revealed that the increase was largely driven by poaching and arson activities in protected areas such as state forests, ZimParks and farms where landowners are absent. These were further compounded by above-normal rainfall, which resulted in excessive biomass,” Provincial Environment Manager, Mrs Chipo Mpofu-Zuze stated
The 2026 fire prediction indicates that extreme risk zones are expanding into areas previously considered medium-risk, thereby calling for heightened vigilance and coordinated action from all stakeholders
