Officers contain fire outbreak in parts of Mt. Kenya
Business
By
Fredrick Obura
| Feb 08, 2021
Response from the Kenya Forest and conservation partners saved parts of Mt.Kenya forest from further damage following a fire outbreak last week.
Following detection of the fire incident, a fire fighting crew comprising of officers from KFS, KWS, and scouts from Mt. Kenya Trust was quickly mobilised and efforts to suppress it commenced.
The aerial surveillance estimated approximately 2Ha of forest land having been consumed by the fire. The affected area is largely comprised of the low vegetation, ferns, and shrubs on the slopes of the mountain.
The firefighters have been inspecting the area to ensure it is completely safe from any reignition.
Mt. Kenya forest ecosystem is one of the critical water towers in the country serving as a catchment area for major rivers and as a host to wildlife.
READ MORE
Why Kenya feels like 1895 all over again
Government push for disability inclusion
Groups raise concerns over Tobacco Bill
Why Ruto, Ouattara meeting is important for Kenya and Ivory Coast
Ruto hosts African leaders at State House ahead of summit
Bill for two decades of failure by football officials is now due
Amsons Group pledges Sh4.5b for hospitals
Governor Waiguru banks on street lights to power Kirinyaga's 24hr economy
Governor Nassir launches construction of Kongowea Level 4 Hospital
After conducting aerial surveillance to access the damage, Chief Conservator of Forest Julius Kamau thanked the team for responding swiftly to the fire following its detection. He commended the team for the operation which commenced at the break of dawn before extreme winds and rise in temperatures could exacerbate the fire.
The CCF also appreciated the support by the National Air Support Department (NASD) towards supporting KFS aerial capacity to enhance forest conservation and protection.
During the exercise, the CCF was joined by Ms. Beatrice Mbula (Head of Eastern Conservancy), Mr. John Njoroge (Meru Ecosystem Conservator), and Mr. Sylvanus Simuyu (Ontulili Forest Station Manager).