Wildfires Erupt in Kenya’s Aberdare and Mt. Kenya Forests, Threatening Water Sources

Wildfires have erupted in Kenya’s Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, which are crucial for the country’s water supply. Firefighting efforts are being coordinated by the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service amidst challenging dry conditions. Authorities stress the need for public vigilance as investigations into the fires’ causes are ongoing.

Wildfires have been reported in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, both vital water catchment areas for Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) are engaged in firefighting efforts to manage the situation. Current dry weather conditions and strong winds are exacerbating the spread of the fires, prompting immediate action from conservation teams to prevent further escalation.

According to Lucy Mwati, a senior director at KWS responsible for mountain conservation, the teams are diligently working against the flames intensified by the ongoing drought. “Our priority is to stop the flames from spreading further and safeguard the fragile ecosystems critical to Kenya’s water supply,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of their operations.

Significant activity has been noted in the Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest, situated approximately 160 kilometers north of Nairobi. Response teams are also assessing other affected areas to manage potential flare-ups before they impact more sensitive sections of the forest. Meanwhile, fires in the Mt. Kenya Forest are being evaluated to determine damage and deploy necessary resources to control destruction.

Authorities have underscored the increased risk of wildfires caused by extended dry conditions and have urged public vigilance in reporting any fire signs immediately. Investigations to ascertain the cause of these wildfires are currently underway, aiming to better understand and prevent future incidents.

In summary, the outbreak of wildfires in Kenya’s Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests presents a significant threat to essential water catchment areas. Conservation teams are actively battling the flames under challenging conditions, with the priority of safeguarding delicate ecosystems. Continuous public awareness and investigations into the causes of these fires are critical in minimizing future risks.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr