Wildfires in the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests are challenging for KWS and KFS, with efforts focused on containing active blazes, especially in Embaringo. Hot conditions have led to a series of outbreaks, with recent fires threatening various regions and conservation teams actively engaged. Support from organizations such as Rhino Ark is critical amid the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Wildfires are currently affecting the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests, posing significant challenges for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The priority for these services is to contain the active fires, especially in the Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest, where ongoing hot weather has exacerbated the situation.
Lucy Mwati, Senior Assistant Director at KWS, reported that firefighting teams are struggling to manage multiple outbreaks, as every suppressed fire seems to be followed by the ignition of another due to the heat. The current fire in Embaringo remains active despite firefighting efforts.
Although the fires in other regions of the Aberdares, including Gatare, Haggenia, and Wanjohi, have been extinguished, comprehensive damage assessments by KWS are still pending. At the same time, a separate fire in the Burguret area of Mount Kenya Forest has been spreading since Monday, prompting ongoing containment efforts by conservationists.
Recent wildfires have highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Kenya’s forests, as evidenced by devastating events in Isiolo just weeks ago. Rhino Ark, a conservation organization, has stepped in to assist KWS and KFS with resources such as helicopters. Nonetheless, the fire near Embaringo continues to pose a threat.
This series of wildfires follows a tragic event last year when two KWS officers lost their lives while responding to a fire in Aberdare Forest, underscoring the dangers associated with wildfire management. Additionally, sections of the Maasai Mara game reserve have also experienced wildfire damage, illustrating the extensive impact of these blazes across regions.
In summary, the ongoing wildfires in the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests are a significant environmental threat, aggravated by high temperatures and persistent firefighting challenges. Efforts by KWS, KFS, and conservation groups like Rhino Ark highlight the urgent need for enhanced wildfire management strategies. The situation remains critical as teams continue their fight against these fires, while tragic past incidents underscore the risks involved in wildfire response efforts.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
