Wildfires have broken out in important water catchment areas in Kenya, specifically in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests. The Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service are actively fighting these fires, which are worsened by dry conditions and strong winds. Their primary goal is to protect fragile ecosystems crucial for water supply.
As of Wednesday, wildfires have erupted in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests, two critical water catchment areas in Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have mobilized teams in response to these fires, which are exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. The primary objective is to contain the flames and protect the delicate ecosystems essential to Kenya’s water supply.
The Embaringo section of the Aberdare Forest is currently the most active area affected by the fire. This part of the forest is situated about 160 kilometers north of Nairobi. Other regions within Aberdare are also under threat, prompting firefighting teams to focus on preventing flare-ups that may extend into more susceptible parts of the forest.
Wildfires are also reported within Mt. Kenya Forest, where assessment teams are evaluating the damage and deploying resources to control the situation. Due to prolonged dry conditions, authorities have expressed concerns about elevated wildfire risks in forested areas, urging the public to stay alert and report any signs of fire to relevant authorities. Investigations regarding the causes of these fires are currently underway.
In summary, wildfires in the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests pose a significant threat to vital water catchment areas in Kenya. The Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service are actively engaged in firefighting efforts amid challenging dry conditions. Authorities emphasize the need for public vigilance regarding fire risks and are investigating the origins of these wildfires.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
