Fire Management in the Demarcated Indigenous Forests of Zimbabwe | The Ecology and Management of Indigenous Forests in Southern Africa
1992
Gondo, P. C. | Piearce, G. D. | Gumbo, D. J.
The demarcated indigenous forests are currently managed under multiple-use principles, which include a complete fire protection programme. Fires, however, have continued to occur within these forests despite the large investment in total fire protection. An analysis of the fire reports compiled between 1985 and 1989 indicated that an average of over 60 000 ha was burnt every year. The major causes were identified as poachers (28%),neighbours (resettled farmers) (15%) and travellers (13%). Of all fires, 82% occurred between July and november and 60% occurred in the hottest months of August to October. In areas where fire has not occurred for several years, fuel quantities have risen to hazardous levels. Where such areas have subsequently been burnt, the fires have been very severe and devastating. The validity of complete fire protection is therefore questioned. It is also recommended that future fire management methods in these forests should aim at reducing fuel levels (inflammability) and severity of the fires.
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