Kenya: The Chief Conservator of Forests in the Kenya Forest Service Alex Lemarkoko visited the areas ravaged by wildfires in Isiolo County. The aim of the visit was to check on the damage that was caused by the wildfire. The official was disappointed to see how far the fire had spread, destroying much forest cover.
The Chief Conservator of Forests was accompanied by the Senator of Isiolo County Fatuma Dullo. The officers allegedly visited the affected residents in the various communities, including areas like, Sericho, Basa Badana and Merti towns.
The officers also assured them of government support in fighting the fires.
The wildfires that have been raging in the area for the last four days. The fires have so far consumed several thousand hectares of pasture land and bushland vegetation.
The most damage has been done along the Ewaso River basin which is risking the livelihoods of local pastoralist community.
The Kenya Forest Service has already sent more than 200 rangers and two water bowsers to help in curbing the fire. The Officers from the Fire Department are also on the ground with the aim to help coordinate the fire management efforts.
While addressing the media in Isiolo town, Alex Lemarkoko said that the fires have spread quickly because of the good rains experienced last year. The rain icaused the increase of vegetation and undergrowth.
He has also asked the other partners to join the efforts by providing much needed resources to assist the community. The authorities have shared that they need more and more people to put out fires that are ravaging the community.
The KFS chief conservation officer warned that if the fire is left uncontrolled, there may be a risk that the fire could spread to other areas including populated areas.
Senator of Isiolo County Fatuma Dullo also assured the community that the government will support them in the recovery efforts. Furthermore, they have also called on other partners to join the efforts to contain the fire and save the livelihoods of hundreds of people