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Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
VELD fires have killed two people in Matabeleland North since the fire season started at the end of July with the Environmental Management Agency saying it was worried that the death toll could rise as the fire season progresses.

Mrs Phindile Moyo of Zimdabule Village (69) died last week, while her niece, Ms Dedani Sibanda (25) is admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.

Fire broke out while the two were cutting grass in Moyo’s plot and Sibanda survived by climbing on a tree after realising that she could not escape as the fire had encircled their plot.

Matabeleland North EMA spokesperson Mrs Chipo Zuze-Mpofu said Sibanda and Moyo had been cutting grass that they had intended to use for thatching when they spotted a fire.

She said they created a fireguard but the raging fire got to where they were. Sibanda sought refuge in a tree and remained there until the fire died down. Sibanda suffered multiple burns all over the body.

The second victim was identified as Khondanani Lungu of Ward 8 at Plot 16 in Umguza.

Mrs Zuze-Mpofu said Lungu who died last month was in the field when a fire broke out and when he tried to put it out alone it overwhelmed him.

EMA national spokesperson Mr Steady Kangata said the organisation had recorded a 25 percent increase in veld fires countrywide to date.

“As at September 21, 2017 we have recorded a 25 percent increase in fire incidents across the country. In 2016, we recorded 967 cases of fire incidents while this year we have 1 484 cases recorded already,” said Mr Kangata.

He said by this time last year, 612 653 hectares of land had been burnt while to date, more than 760 000 hectares have been destroyed by fire.

Mashonaland West Province recorded the biggest area that was destroyed, with 266 810ha destroyed followed by Matabeleland North with 235 230ha.  — @andile_tshuma