Preparing for veld fires

Veld fires are an annual occurrence, and farmers must continually prepare, whether in communal or commercial farming areas.

Agribank’s technical advisor for livestock and rangeland Erastus Ngaruka said many farmers have negative perceptions about veld fires due to their dangerous and destructive nature; however, natural veld fire events serve a very important ecological function.

He said this can include burning moribund materials to allow regrowth or tillering, stimulating seed germination by cracking seed coats, and largely maintaining vegetation structures in terms of spacing and balance such as controlling bush encroachment.

“On the other hand, artificial or man-made fires are either started on purpose or can be out of negligence or accident.”

Devastating

Ngaruka said prescribed fires are planned for rangeland management purposes to mimic natural influences. “These types of fires can become uncontrolled and devastating if poorly planned and managed.”

He added that veld fires damage farm infrastructure such as fences, pipes and the environment, and result in injuries and deaths in animals and humans as well.

Ngaruka said a fire burns the available forage materials, leaving animals with little or nothing to survive on. “Generally, natural veld fires are caused by lightning strikes and mainly occur during the spring months or at the onset of the rainy season from September to November when thunderstorm activities begin. Therefore, farmers should prepare to avoid huge losses during this critical period."

In some parts of Namibia, fire activities have already started and most of these unplanned or accidental fires can be attributed to human activities, including charcoal production, campfires, cigarettes, vehicles, hunting and poaching activities, empty glass bottles or glass pieces that can magnify the sun’s heat and ignite dry grass, he said.

“The intensity of a veld fire is mainly influenced by the amount of fuel loads such as dry grass or other moribund plant materials such as dead wood.

Ngaruka said the more the fuel loads, the higher the intensity of fire and its impact. In addition, the wind influences the direction, speed and spatial scale of the fire.

Difficult and exhausting

According to him, fighting veld fires is a difficult and exhausting exercise, which can be costly.

“It is therefore important that farmers prepare well in advance by acquiring firefighting equipment and ensuring that they are accessible, functional and are ready to use.”

According to Ngaruka, farm roads and fire breaks should be well maintained, cleared and accessible, and water reservoirs should always be kept full to refill fire tanks in the event of firefighting.

Most importantly, all persons must be well informed and trained in firefighting and lifesaving, he said.

Neighbouring farmers and all relevant authorities should also be informed, technical advisor noted.

“An effective communication channel should be established to ensure coordinated efforts.” He added that it is important that a fire management plan is developed and adopted.

In addition, the plan should include aspects of fodder reserves for the animals if the forage resources are burned.