A wildfire on Mount Kenya has been largely contained after burning approximately 8 700ha. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) told Tourism Update that no tourists were affected or injured during the fire.
“All critical infrastructure within the park was secured and no visitor facilities or other critical park infrastructure were affected,” said Mount Kenya National Park Warden Kitavi Kaloki.
Between September 2 and September 6, KWS rangers, Kenya Forest Service rangers, Kenya Defence Forces, Mount Kenya Trust, Community Forest Association scouts, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy teams and more than 300 community members mounted sustained ground and aerial firefighting operations.
“The fire was largely concentrated in moorland vegetation with intermittent spread into small patches of indigenous forest. Fire breaks were established to contain the flames and prevent further spread, particularly amid strong winds. By September 6, firefighting teams had successfully contained approximately 90% of the affected area.”
On the afternoon of September 6, rainfall around the Lake Ellis and Lake Alice areas helped extinguish remaining flames.
“Mount Kenya National Park was not closed at any point. Visitors are encouraged to continue enjoying the park while observing all safety guidance issued by KWS,” said Kaloki.
