Isiolo Forest Inferno Contained as Government Warns Against Reckless Fire Practices
“More than 120 rangers, 40 firefighting specialists, and community members were involved in the firefighting efforts“
The raging inferno that scorched over 2,500 hectares of forest across Cherab and Garbatulla sub-counties in Isiolo County has been successfully contained. Government officials, however, have issued a stern warning to locals against the reckless lighting of fires during the dry season.
Addressing the media in Sericho, Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, confirmed that emergency teams had fully subdued the fire as of yesterday. The various emergency teams have done a commendable job. They managed to completely contain the fires and are now closely monitoring the situation to prevent any resurgence,he said.
The fires, which began on January 17, swept through vast areas including Sericho, Bandana, Dadacha Basa, Eleturku, and Merti, destroying large tracts of pastureland but miraculously sparing human lives. The government suspects the fires may have been caused by herders clearing pathways for livestock or by honey harvesters.
Lighting fires during dry and windy seasons is extremely dangerous, as they can quickly get out of control. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found responsible for such reckless acts,Dr. Omollo warned.
Dr. Omollo also reassured affected pastoralists, announcing that the government would support them with restocking programs and assist in sourcing pasture for their livestock.
More than 120 rangers, 40 firefighting specialists, and community members were involved in the firefighting efforts. They were supported by aerial surveillance, Chap-Track machines for creating firebreaks, firefighting engines, and 10,000-liter water bowsers. Teams from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT), and the Kenya Red Cross Society were instrumental in the operation.
Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi, who accompanied Dr. Omollo, also lauded the collaborative efforts. The dedication shown by all the teams has been remarkable. Their swift response prevented even greater destruction,he said.
Dr. Mugambi attributed the increased frequency of such disasters to climate change. Just the other day, we were dealing with floods, and now we are battling fires. This is a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action,he said. He urged locals to plant trees during the rainy season to combat deforestation and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The government’s focus, Dr. Omollo noted, extends beyond firefighting to enhancing the livelihoods of pastoralists. “We are committed to improving the livestock value chain and ensuring communities have sustainable options for their future,”he added.
The event was also attended by Alex Lemarkoko, Chief Conservator of Forests, and Geoffrey Omoding, Isiolo County Commissioner, who emphasized the importance of community awareness in preventing future fires.
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