Africa-Press – Eswatini. The number of fire incidents in Eswatini has dropped sharply, with an 80 per cent decrease recorded compared to the same period last year, signalling a major success in the country’s wildfire prevention efforts.
According to the Public Relations Officer Mandla Dlamini from the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES) confirmed that only 236 fire cases have been reported this year, a steep fall from 1 230 cases in the previous year.
Dlamini credited this positive change to a nationwide education campaign discouraging wildfires, launched in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The campaign targeted rural communities, farmers, and schools, raising awareness about fire safety, legal regulations, and environmental protection.
“We have seen a remarkable behavioural shift, especially in fire-prone areas,” said Dlamini. “People now understand that starting wildfires without permission is not only dangerous but also illegal,” he added.
He reminded the public that permission to burn vegetation must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, and failure to do so could lead to legal consequences.
ENFRES also reiterated its weather warning issued last month, urging the public to stay alert as strong winds and dry conditions continue to pose wildfire risks. The agency called on citizens to report fires immediately and avoid actions that may spark new outbreaks.
This milestone highlights the effectiveness of proactive public engagement and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding Eswatini’s natural resources and communities from fire hazards.
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