Fire Destroys 16,000 Acres of Mt Kenya Forest

Over 16,000 acres of moorland in Mount Kenya Forest have been razed by a fire that broke out last weekend.

Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Meru Ecosystem Conservator John Njoroge says hot weather, difficult terrain, and strong winds are inhibiting efforts to contain the raging fire.

Firefighters from KFS, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Defense Forces, Mt Kenya Trust, Rhino Ark, and the community have been working for days to put out the fire in the Marania, Karuri and Rutundu sections of the expansive forest.

Njoroge said they suspect the fire was started by arsonists or honey harvesters. 

“The fire has been unmanageable due to the strong winds. Currently, the fire line is about 15 kilometers long,” said Njoroge, adding that two helicopters were helping in efforts to contain the inferno.

Mt Kenya Trust CEO Susie Weeks said the situation is out of control, adding that they suspect some criminals were behind the inferno since fires keep on being reported after being put out.

“The situation is out of control. The firefighters are overwhelmed because we have been handling fires in Mt Kenya and Aberdare in the past 10 days. It is an emergency,” Weeks said.

Over 400 firefighters have been deployed to extinguish the fire, according to Mt Kenya Trust.