People who intend to burn vegetation in areas adjacent to forest reserves must submit a written notice to the nearest police station 24 hours prior.
This is a new directive by the Kenya Forest Service aimed at containing increasing forest fires.
Kenya Forest Service chief conservator Alex Lemarkoko said the country is experiencing dry weather with high temperatures, low humidity and dry winds and vegetation is drying up rapidly in most forests hence increased fire risks.
“There is also build-up of combustible materials in the forests, which increases the risks of fire outbreak. Data collected indicates an increase in fire incidences in Mau, North Rift, Nyanza and Ewaso North conservancies,” he said.
Northeastern, Eastern and Coast conservancies and the Aberdares ecosystem are also experiencing dry weather.
Lemarkoko said escaping fires arising from traditional practices of burning land in preparation for planting crops by forest adjacent communities, greatly increases the risk of forest fires.
He said KFS has put in place adequate fire preparedness measures to mitigate, ensure early detection and prompt responses.
“Fire outbreaks and external boundaries should be cleaned, cleared and manned throughout the season. Fire patrols should be stepped up,” Lemarkoko said.
“Fire danger rating boards and posters should be displayed at strategic points for general public to see and understand the level of danger in the respective forests.”
He wants county forest officers and forest stations to urgently prepare fire preparedness plans.
Lemarkoko said fire watchtowers should be manned from 6am to 6pm.
“In the event of a fire outbreak information should be sent out to KFS command centre, nearest forest office, police station and any other office using the quickest means possible,” he said.
Raging fires recently destroyed approximately 2,500 hectares ( 6,177 acres) of grazing land in Isiolo county.
The affected areas were Garbatula
and Sericho.
