KWS rangers battle a fire in one of the national parks/KWSKFS said while significant progress has been made in containing some blazes, several fires remain active due to persisting dry season.
The fires, it said, have so far consumed vast stretches of lands.
Among the areas affected are Nairobi National Park where two fires broke out on Thursday with the first, near Wilson Airport along the Southern bypass being quickly brought under control through a combined effort with the Nairobi city County.
A second fire in the Athi Basin Dam area, reported in the afternoon, it said, remains under active containment with the service, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers on-site.
In the Aberdare ecosystem, KWS said a large fire erupted between Karuru falls and Elephant hill prompting the deployment of both ground teams and helicopters by KWS to access remote areas.
“This follows three smaller fires in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare over the past week, now contained,” the agency said in an update.
In Ruma National Park in Homa Bay County, the Nyoyo fire, which ignited Friday evening, is still burning.
In South Island National Park-Loiyangalani area in Marsabit County, KWS reported that a bushfire that began on February 17, in the Marti Esse plains burned around 60-square kilometre before being extinguished after four days.
“The rugged terrain and strong winds complicated efforts,” it said.
A fire that broke out near the Kimothon forest in the Mt Elgon National Park forest reserve threatened critical bamboo forests and the park’s peak before it was contained.
This, it said, was made possible through a quick response by KWS and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers.
“Rangers remain on high alert, coordinating further firefighting efforts to prevent flare-ups.”
Past outbreaks in the Aberdare ecosystem, including those in Embaringo, Wanjohi, and Gatare, have been controlled, although KWS continues to monitor the area closely.
The Friday’s Tsavo West National Park fire has also been contained.
While investigations into the causes of the Aberdare, South Island, and Mt Elgon fires are ongoing, KWS has blamed human activities.
It said discarded cigarettes, arson and honey harvesting combined with the extreme dry conditions, are suspected to have contributed.
To prevent further outbreaks, KWS has outlined several strategies, including enhanced aerial and ground patrols in high-risk areas and rapid deployment of firefighting units including helicopters.
It is also strengthening collaborations with communities, county governments, and partners, and establishing firebreaks and cutlines to isolate potential fires.
KWS has further urged the public and visitors to remain vigilant and follow all emergency directives, avoid activities that may spark fires, such as open flames and discarded cigarettes.
This, as it urged the public to immediately report fire hazards to KWS via the toll-free number 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp at 0726661509.
At the same time it has thanked KDF, KFS rangers, volunteers, local county agencies, and communities for their unwavering support in these efforts.
“The cooperation between agencies remains essential to safeguarding Kenya’s precious ecosystems and wildlife during this challenging dry season.”
