Wildfire/SCREENGRAB
A wildfire that has swept through the moorlands of Mount Kenya for seven days has destroyed about 8,700 hectares of vegetation, with firefighting teams still working to contain the blaze in the southern section.
The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust confirmed that the fire began near Rutundu Lodge in the moorlands last week, September 1, before spreading rapidly amid strong winds and high temperatures.
The blaze moved in two directions, with one front advancing towards Marania Forest in the north and another spreading south-west towards Chogoria.
By Monday, the fire in the northern section had been contained, according to Rhino Ark. Efforts were, however, continuing to prevent the flames from spreading further in the southern part of the mountain.
Several organisations and government agencies have joined the operation to contain the wildfire.
The Mount Kenya Trust, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) are among those involved in the firefighting efforts.
Rhino Ark and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) later joined the operation, while Tropic Air provided additional aerial support.
“Despite a quick response by Mount Kenya Trust, Lewa, Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service, the fire spread further. Rhino Ark as well as KDF then stepped in to provide additional support,” Rhino Ark said.
The organisation said it was also working with Tropic Air to monitor the affected areas from the air and support planning of the firefighting operation.
“Rhino Ark, together with Tropic Air, is conducting daily aerial reconnaissance flights to assist with the planning of the operations, as well as with a team of firefighters,” the organisation said.
The scale of the damage became clearer on September 6, when Rhino Ark estimated that about 8,700 hectares of moorlands had been burnt.
“As of 6 September, about 8700 hectares of moorlands were burnt,” the organisation said.
The fire has affected the mountain’s moorlands, with firefighting teams continuing efforts to contain the remaining fire front.
The operation involves multiple agencies working together to tackle the blaze and limit further spread.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over wildfires affecting forests in Kenya and other parts of the world.
