Wildfires have broken out in Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, prompting urgent firefighting efforts by the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service. Conditions, marked by dryness and strong winds, have fueled the fire’s spread. The authorities are assessing damage and urging vigilance from the public while investigating the fire’s causes.
On Wednesday, Kenyan officials reported that wildfires have erupted in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, critical areas for water catchment. The situation has prompted urgent firefighting efforts from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) as they seek to contain the rapidly spreading flames fueled by ongoing dry conditions and strong winds.
Lucy Mwati, a senior director with the KWS overseeing mountain conservation, stated, “Our teams are working around the clock to contain the fires, which have been intensified by the ongoing dry spell.” She emphasized that the priority is to halt the flames’ further spread to protect essential ecosystems vital for Kenya’s water supply.
One significant wildfire has been noted in the Embaringo section of Aberdare Forest, located about 160 kilometers north of Nairobi. Additional areas within the Aberdares have also been impacted, with firefighting teams striving to manage flare-ups that threaten the more vulnerable sections of the forest.
Wildfires have also been detected in Mt. Kenya Forest, where assessment teams are evaluating the damage and coordinating resources to minimize additional destruction. Authorities have raised concerns about heightened wildfire risks due to prolonged dry conditions and have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any fire sightings immediately.
Current investigations are underway to determine the causes of these wildfires.
The recent wildfires in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests pose a significant threat to essential water catchment areas in Kenya. The intensified response from the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service highlights the urgent need to contain these fires. Public vigilance is critical as the risk of wildfires increases with ongoing dry conditions, and investigations into the fire causes are ongoing.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
