A devastating veld fire broke out on Tuesday in Chiweshe, Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central, leaving two people injured and causing widespread destruction. The blaze, which raged into Wednesday, destroyed 26 huts and wiped out food supplies and property belonging to 24 families across three local wards.

In a related incident, a fire at Nyombwe Estates in Glendale consumed a hectare of wheat and approximately 2,000 hay bales, with losses estimated at around US$5,000.

Maxwell Mupotsa, spokesperson for the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Mashonaland Central, has issued a strong warning to the public. He urged residents to be vigilant and avoid activities that could spark veld fires, emphasizing that the fire season is currently underway and poses significant risks to communities and livelihoods.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to control and prevent further outbreaks are intensified.

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