Wildfires Reported in Aberdare and Mt. Kenya Forests; Containment Underway
Wildfires are currently active in Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, with teams from KWS and KFS responding. Fires have been frequent in the region, fueled by dry conditions. Efforts to contain the blazes are ongoing, but assessments of the damage remain pending as the situation evolves.
Wildfires have erupted in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, prompting intervention from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS). An active fire in the Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest is currently being fought. KWS Senior Assistant Director, Ms. Lucy Mwati, reported that fires have been a recurring issue in the area due to intense heat, affecting various sections.
The recent fire started on Wednesday morning, adding to earlier instances of fires in Gatare, Haggenia, and Wanjohi areas, which have since been controlled. The extent of the damage from previous fires is yet to be assessed, with KWS promising an update following their evaluation. In Mt. Kenya Forest, a fire in the Burguret area, which began on Monday, has impacted multiple sections but has seen some success in suppression efforts.
In light of recent events, conservationist Susie Weeks from the Mount Kenya Trust Foundation has confirmed ongoing firefighting efforts. She noted that while some sections of the fire have been extinguished, the situation remains critical in other areas. The rising frequency of wildfires in central Kenya highlights the serious implications of prolonged dry weather on Forest ecosystems.
Wildfires in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests are currently under control by KWS and KFS. Despite their efforts, the dry weather has contributed to the frequency of these blazes, demonstrating a pressing need for effective forest management and fire prevention strategies. Continued assessments and firefighting efforts are crucial to prevent further ecological damage in these areas.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
