what are veld fires

The issue of burning the bush has become a problem in different parts of the country, leaving insects and small animals homeless and also causing harm to the environment.

Veld fires are blazes that get out of control and become wild, and in the process destroy extensive tracts of forests, grasslands, animals, people and their properties.

 Fire, as part of natural process has a positive role in the vegetation structure and composition, and helps recycle nutrients contained in old and dead trees. There is, however, concern that the frequency, extent and pattern of burning are increasing due to human activities.

It is a fact that the damage from these fires has grown to outweigh the benefits of fire on the ecosystem.

 

Frequent burning has implication on carbon stocks and emissions, wildlife habitat, human health and life as well as livelihoods.

 Statutory Instrument 7 of 2007 as read with Environmental Management Act (CAP 20:27), no person is allowed to light a fire outside residential and commercial premises during the period July 31 to October 31 of each year.

veld fires are blazes that get out of control and become wild, and in the process destroy extensive tracts of forests, grasslands animals, people and their properties