Aberdare Forest Fire Rages for Fourth Day, Hundreds of Acres Destroyed
The fire was first reported around Kinangop Peak on August 28 before spreading to other sections of the forest, with strong winds making it difficult for firefighting teams to bring it under control.
Aberdare Forest Fire Rages for Fourth Day, Hundreds of Acres Destroyed
For the fourth consecutive day, a raging fire has devastated sections of Aberdare Forest in Nyandarua County, Kenya, destroying over 200 acres of forest land. Authorities are intensifying efforts to contain the blaze, which first broke out around Kinangop Peak on August 28 and has since spread to other areas of the forest due to strong winds.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) reported Tuesday that while the fire has been significantly reduced, mop-up operations continue to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent reignition.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) deployed 62 personnel and community volunteers, along with support from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Rhino Ark, AJSU, and local administration. Aerial surveillance and ground teams monitor the affected sections and identify areas needing further intervention. Nyandarua County KWS boss Paul Wambugu attributed the rapid spread of the fire to strong winds, making firefighting operations challenging. The majority of the destroyed area is covered by bamboo vegetation.
Authorities sought additional support from other government agencies due to the difficulties in accessing and suppressing the fire. Nyandarua County Environment Chief Officer Wachira Mugo warned that the fire was approaching catchment areas supplying water to Lake Ol Bolosat and Ol Kalou town, requesting urgent intervention from the national government, the Kenya Forest Service, and the Kenya Defence Forces.
The fire's cause remains unclear, but authorities suspect it might have started by honey harvesters operating in the forest. KWS urged residents to exercise caution, especially during the honey-harvesting season when fire risks increase.
KWS emphasized the potential impact on the Aberdare ecosystem, an essential water catchment and biodiversity hotspot. The fire's ecological damage will be assessed once teams complete their work. KWS said the main blaze has been brought under control, but continued presence of hotspots means the operation is not yet over. The Aberdare fire highlights recurring concerns over wildfires in Kenya's protected areas, particularly during dry and windy conditions, urging communities to report fires early and exercise caution.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
