06 Nov 2019

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, through the Department of Forestry and Range Resources (DFRR), has updated the nation about state of veld fires.

A press release from the department states that Botswana fire season runs from May to November when most of the vegetation has dried out,.

Consequently, a few fires were this year spotted around the country especially in the Delta, where some private property and range resources were damaged.

Since then, states the release, wild land fires continued across the country, affecting 10 districts with most occurrences sustained in Chobe, Ngamiland, Ghanzi, Kweneng and Central districts.

It further states that both the intensity and outbreaks of fires often increase during August to November period, when Botswana generally experiences high temperatures.

Last month, fires ravaged the country especially in the North West, Central and Ngami regions.

The release says, currently, fire has been spotted in the Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve (CKGR), North of Tsodilo Hills and Ghanzi areas, with some indications of fire in areas near the Sandveld.

Non-prescribed wild land fires often bring about adverse and at times devastating effects to lives, property, forests and ranges resources, states the release.

According to the release, the Department of Forestry and Range Resources has mobilised fire teams to most affected areas. 

However, the release states that when there are multiple fires within one area, resources are stretched and the suppression activities are also prioritised.

Furthermore, high temperatures and strong winds are making it difficult to suppress in some areas leading to fires taking longer to be put out, says the release.

Therefore, the public is cautioned from worsening the matter by starting fires that may get out of their control.

Communities are advised to protect their property by ensuring that fire protection measures are in place, including constructing and maintaining fire breaks around fires.

It further states that the department appeals to the public to be vigilant and report all fires to the nearest Forestry office, police office, kgotla or any government office. 

 

The department will keep monitoring the conditions and will update the public accordingly, says the release. ends