Kenya has reported 180 wildfires in two months, affecting over 1,357 hectares of vegetation. The KFS warns that the fire season is expected to last until mid-March due to high temperatures and low humidity. Enhanced firefighting measures are being implemented, with community involvement and strict regulations on vegetation burning. The fire risk remains elevated, prompting alerts to the public for vigilance.
Kenya is currently facing a significant rise in wildfires, tallying 180 incidents since January, as reported by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). These wildfires have devastated over 1,357 hectares of vegetation in protected areas, notably including the Maasai Mau, North Rift, Coast, Central Highlands, and Eastern Conservancies. The KFS cautions that this fire season, fueled by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, will persist until mid-March.
With fires intensifying recently in regions such as Isiolo, Garissa, and along the coast, KFS has issued a high fire danger alert at all stations. To combat this crisis, the agency is collaborating with local forest associations, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and government teams while also suspending all burning of vegetation in proximity to forests. They require individuals intending to burn vegetation to notify the KFS or police station 48 hours ahead.
In response to the escalating situation, KFS has augmented its firefighting resources, deploying more equipment, vehicles, and manpower, recalling all personnel from leave. They have instituted a smoke detection system to bolster fire monitoring across critical regions like Mt Kenya, Aberdares, and Mau. Notably, a suspected arson incident in Mt Kenya’s Gathiuri area devastated 150 hectares of grassland.
KFS Conservator Esther Mugo expressed concerns regarding the detrimental impact of practices like grassland burning on forest ecosystems and biodiversity. KFS teams, alongside community members, have been challenged by harsh winds and nighttime conditions while trying to extinguish blazes. In the Aberdares, four fire outbreaks have been reported in recent days, complicating containment efforts due to recurrent outbreaks driven by hot weather.
Another wildfire, attributed to unknown causes, has damaged vegetation in the Lolldaiga Conservancy, prompting local management to enlist community assistance in extinguishing the flames. The KFS remains vigilant and is prepared for additional fire outbreaks, while past incidents in Mau, Mt Kenya, and Aberdare have been contained. Nonetheless, the agency warns that fire risks are high and may continue through mid-March, urging the public to report any fire sightings immediately.
Kenya is grappling with a serious wildfire crisis, with significant vegetation loss due to 180 recorded incidents since January. The KFS is actively working to manage the situation through increased firefighting resources and community collaboration. Given ongoing weather conditions, the risk of further outbreaks persists until mid-March, highlighting the urgency for public awareness and prompt reporting of fires.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
