Conservation Teams Fight Ongoing Wildfires in Aberdare and Mount Kenya Forests
Wildfires are engulfing the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests, prompting urgent containment efforts by KWS and KFS amid persistent hot weather. Lucy Mwati from KWS and Susie Weeks from the Mount Kenya Trust highlight ongoing battles against the flames. Previous wildfires have shown the increasing vulnerability of these ecosystems, with extensive support from conservation groups like Rhino Ark contributing to firefighting efforts.
Wildfires are currently threatening the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests in Kenya, prompting urgent action from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The primary goal is to control these blazes that have intensified due to persistent hot weather conditions. Notably, Lucy Mwati from KWS indicates that firefighting teams are focused on the active fire in the Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest.
The occurrences of these wildfires have been increasingly frequent, reflecting a worrying trend of multiple outbreaks in recent weeks, particularly exacerbated by high temperatures. Mwati remarked, “We have been experiencing fires at the Aberdares since last week. Every time we contain one, another breaks out in a different area due to the hot weather.” Currently, firefighting efforts continue as the fire in Embaringo remains unresolved.
While firefighters have successfully extinguished fires in areas such as Gatare, Haggenia, and Wanjohi, a complete assessment of the damage caused is yet to be performed by KWS. Concurrently, conservation teams are also handling a blaze in the Burguret area of Mount Kenya Forest, which ignited on Monday. Susie Weeks of the Mount Kenya Trust Foundation confirmed the commitment to control the fire while recognizing the progress already made in some sections.
These latest wildfires recall a previous severe series of incidents that devastated hundreds of hectares in Isiolo just weeks ago, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of Kenya’s forest ecosystems. Support is being rendered to KWS and KFS by Rhino Ark, a conservation organization that has deployed helicopters to assist with firefighting operations. However, the fire near Embaringo remains a significant challenge as it continues to spread.
The current wildfires bring to mind a tragic event from the prior year when two KWS officers perished in an accident while addressing a fire in the Aberdare Forest. Additionally, wildfires have adversely impacted sections of the Maasai Mara game reserve, revealing the extensive consequences resulting from these forest fires.
The ongoing wildfires in Kenya’s Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests pose a serious threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. The situation is compounded by extreme weather conditions, leading to multiple outbreaks. Urgent firefighting measures are underway, with contributions from conservation organizations. The situation remains critical as teams strive to contain and control the blazes while minimizing damage to the ecosystem.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
