Bulawayo Fire Brigade Plans Controlled Burn-Off at NUST

2 September 2025

By Khulisani Siziba

Bulawayo Fire Brigade is set to implement a controlled burn-off strategy to prevent grassfires, starting at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) campus.

Speaking to SkyzMetro FM, Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said the move comes after a grassfire at the Zimbabwe School of Mines on Sunday spread rapidly to NUST, challenging firefighters due to strong winds.

He stated that the flames were eventually brought under control before causing major damage.

“Our manpower was ok but we faced obstacles due to strong winds but I’m grateful that we worked as professional people, the fire was contained,” said Moyo.

Meanwhile, CFO Moyo also revealed plans to establish an internal fire response team at NUST, similar to those already in place at Mpilo Hospital and Ingutsheni Hospital, with plans for UBH underway.

“What l plan to do next year, is to introduce what we call control burnoff, just vehind NUST whereby we create a fire guard using fire, he stated.

He urged the public to avoid starting fires deliberately, warning that illegal squatters in the area may have ignited the recent blaze, and called for community cooperation to protect public spaces and infrastructure.