Veld fires that have been ravaging some parts of the country for the past two weeks have destroyed over 143 000 hectares of land, killing 210 animals in the process.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Public Relations Officer Romeo Muyunda in a media statement on Tuesday said the fires continue to be a big challenge in the country with reports being received on a daily basis.

A total of 27 veld fires have been recorded countrywide, burning 59 farms in the areas of Outjo, Otjiwarongo, Steinhausen district in Windhoek, Okahandja, Tsumeb, Tsintsabis and some areas in the Zambezi region.

‘A massive total of 135 livestock and 75 wild animals were killed in the fires which also led to the destruction of infrastructures like fences and water pipes. Most of the fires are believed to have been caused by Arsonists and Charcoal burners. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities reported in the last two weeks,’ said Muyunda.

The Ministry, he added is busy with a comprehensive assessment of damages caused and will continue to monitor the outbreaks of forest and veld fires nationwide based on remote sensing and aerial surveillance techniques.

It has been established that the main causes of the fires are charcoal production operations, mechanical appliances such as graders, recreational activities like picnics, smokers and local natural resource management-related activities like hunting, honey production and thatch-grass harvesting.

‘The Ministry reiterates its call to the public to report any fires to the Ministry as soon as possible for a swift response as well as to observe measures and good practices,’ stated Muyunda.

He commended its officials who assisted in extinguishing the fires as well as private farmers, the Namibian Police Force, the Namibian Defence Force, Town Councils, Otjiwarongo Firefighters Group, Neighborhood watches, Fire Brigades and some members of the public.

Source: Namibia Press Agency