Mount Kenya wildfire destroys 8,700 hectares of vegetation
The fire is said to have started near Rutundu Lodge in the moorlands last week and spread rapidly due to strong winds and high temperatures.
Nairobi, Kenya - A wildfire has ravaged 8,700 hectares of vegetation in the moorlands of Mount Kenya over the span of seven days, according to the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. The blaze reportedly ignited near Rutundu Lodge last week, swiftly spreading due to gusty winds and soaring temperatures. The trust reported on Monday that the northern portion of the fire had been brought under control the day prior, while ongoing measures aimed at curbing its progress in the southern region were still being implemented.
The firefighting response involved a coalition of agencies and organizations, including the Mount Kenya Trust, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service. Subsequently, Rhino Ark, Tropic Air, and the Kenya Defence Forces contributed additional support. Despite the swift initial action by the initial responders, the fire continued to expand.
Rhino Ark, alongside Tropic Air, conducted daily aerial surveillance flights to aid in planning operations and support firefighting teams. As of September 6, approximately 8,700 hectares of the moorlands had been consumed by the flames. This disaster arrives as forests worldwide confront an escalating threat from wildfires, often exacerbated by climate change and global warming.
Written by urgent.news from Capital Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
