Urgent Firefighting Efforts Underway as Wildfires Erupt in Kenya’s Forests

Kenya is facing wildfires in the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests, critical water catchment regions. The Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service are working to control the fire spread fueled by dry conditions. Officials caution the public about wildfire risks, and investigations into the causes are ongoing.

Authorities in Kenya have confirmed the outbreak of wildfires in the Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests, pivotal areas for the country’s water catchment. In response, conservation agencies, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), have mobilized teams to combat the fires fueled by dry weather and high winds. Lucy Mwati, a senior director at KWS, stated that efforts are underway to prevent the flames from spreading further and to protect essential ecosystems.

The Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest has experienced significant fire activity, approximately 160 kilometers north of Nairobi. Response teams are addressing multiple flare-ups throughout the Aberdares to mitigate potential threats to more sensitive forest areas. Additionally, fire outbreaks have been reported in Mount Kenya Forest, where assessments are ongoing to determine the damage and allocate resources appropriately.

Officials have cautioned that the ongoing dry conditions exacerbate wildfire risks in forest regions and have urged the public to remain alert, reporting any signs of fire immediately. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the causes of these wildfires.

In conclusion, wildfires in Kenya’s Aberdare and Mount Kenya forests pose significant threats to vital water catchment areas. Conservation authorities are actively engaged in firefighting efforts amidst challenging dry conditions. The situation underscores the need for public vigilance as investigations into the fires’ origins continue.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr