Kenya: Nakuru County has successfully contained several forest fire outbreaks that were recorded across various forest stations during the current fire season. This followed a prompt and well-coordinated suppression efforts that significantly minimised the damage.
Reportedly, this response was made possible through close collaboration between the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Fire Department, the County Government of Nakuru, the Kenya Prison Service, forest rangers and Community Forest Associations, who ensured rapid deployment and effective fire control across the affected areas.
Despite all of the swift action, fires impacted forest resources, which included 41 hectares of plantation forest (fields of Eucalyptus and Cypress), that were destroyed in Menengai and Kiptunga Forests due to arson.
Furthermore, a 33-hectares of bushland, grassland, and shrub areas were affected in Eburu and Menengai Forests,which were linked to arson. Then fire spread from nearby community farms, and incidents within the glades of Logoman Forest.
The County Forest Conservator – Humphrey Monari, called on community members to remain vigilant throughout the ongoing fire season, in order to avoid activities that may trigger forest fires, noting that such incidents not only destroy vegetation but also disrupt entire ecosystems and livelihoods that depend on forest resources.
He further commended the strong leadership and coordinated support provided by the Regional Forest Conservator (Mau Conservancy) – Martin Wandabwa, Regional Commandant – David Mutoro, and Nakuru County Commander – CI Bernard Ngeywo, who served as the Incident Commander during the operations.
The Kenya Forest Service is working closely with its partners and remains committed to safeguard forest ecosystems and urges the public to support conservation efforts by promptly reporting fire incidents and observing fire safety measures during the dry season.
KFS has maintained a high fire danger rating across all its stations due to the current dry weather that is characterised by high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds by creating an extremely high risk of forest fires.
Notably, rapid drying of vegetation and the accumulation of combustible materials exacerbate the situation.