Kenya Faces Escalating Wildfire Crisis with 180 Incidents Recorded

Kenya is facing a significant increase in wildfires, with 180 incidents causing extensive damage to forests since January. The KFS has implemented restrictions and mobilized additional resources to address this crisis, which is expected to persist until mid-March 2025. The agency urges public vigilance to help control fire risks across the nation.

Kenya is currently dealing with a severe increase in wildfires, with 180 incidents reported since January, according to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). These fires have devastated over 1,357 hectares of vegetation in protected areas, including the Maasai Mau and Mt Kenya regions. The KFS has indicated that the fire season, exacerbated by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, is anticipated to last until mid-March 2025.

The situation has worsened in the last week, with new fires emerging in Isiolo, Garissa, and various coastal regions. KFS officials have issued a high fire danger rating across all stations and are deploying additional resources to combat these blazes. Efforts to manage the situation include collaborations with community forest associations and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

In an effort to mitigate fire risks, the KFS has prohibited all burning of vegetation near forested regions unless a written notification is submitted 48 hours in advance to local authorities. To bolster firefighting capabilities, KFS has rolled out additional equipment and called back all personnel on leave, implementing smoke detection systems in critical areas like Mt Kenya and the Aberdares.

Recently, two separate fires were reported in Mt Kenya Forest, with the fire at Gathiuri suspected to be arson, having destroyed 150 hectares of grassland. KFS Nyeri County Conservator Esther Mugo highlighted the disruption of forest ecosystems due to irresponsible burning practices believed by some locals to enhance grazing conditions. Current efforts to contain wildfires are hampered by intense winds and darkness.

KWS Senior Assistant Director Lucy Mwati confirmed three new fire outbreaks in the Aberdares area over the past week, attributing the continuous emergence of wildfires to persistent hot weather conditions. Additionally, a separate wildfire has affected multiple acres in the Lolldaiga Conservancy of Laikipia County, with local management requesting community support for extinguishment.

Despite the containment of recent fires, the KFS warns that fire risks remain significant and may continue up until mid-March 2025. The agency urges citizens to stay vigilant and report any fire occurrences to their nearest forest stations to facilitate prompt responses.

In conclusion, Kenya is experiencing a critical surge in wildfires, with significant ecological damage reported. The KFS is actively working to manage the situation by deploying resources and enforcing restrictions on vegetation burning. Collaboration with local communities remains essential to combat the ongoing risks, as the fire season is projected to last several more weeks. Public vigilance is crucial in mitigating further outbreaks.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke