Wildfires have broken out in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, prompting firefighting efforts from the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service. Strong winds and dry conditions are worsening the situation, which threatens essential water catchment areas. Authorities urge public vigilance and are investigating the fires’ causes.
Wildfires have erupted in two critical forests in Kenya, specifically the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, which are vital water catchment areas. In response, firefighting teams from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have been mobilized to combat the flames. The current dry conditions and strong winds are exacerbating the fires, posing a significant threat to these ecosystems.
Lucy Mwati, a senior director at the Kenya Wildlife Service responsible for mountain conservation, emphasized the urgency of containing these fires. “Our teams are working around the clock to contain the fires, which have been intensified by the ongoing dry spell,” she stated. The focus remains on preventing the flames from spreading further while protecting the important ecosystems that are essential for Kenya’s water supply.
The most active fire is reported in the Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest, located about 160 kilometers north of Nairobi. Additional flare-ups have been detected in other regions of the Aberdares, with response teams actively engaged in controlling the situation before it escalates. Furthermore, assessments are underway in the Mt. Kenya Forest to gauge the extent of damage caused by the fires.
Authorities have raised concerns over prolonged dry conditions, which significantly heighten the risk of wildfires in forested areas. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any signs of fire immediately. Investigations into the origins of the fires are also currently being conducted.
In summary, wildfires in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests present a grave threat to vital water catchment areas in Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service are actively engaged in firefighting efforts, with considerations of the environmental impact and the urgency of the situation at the forefront. Authorities stress the importance of public vigilance amidst pressing dry conditions, while investigations into the causes of these fires continue.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
