A wildfire in Kenya’s largest national park has been contained after two days. The fire broke out in Tsavo National Park on Saturday, August 8 and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said they suspect the cause to be arson, according to BBC.
Police are currently pursuing suspects.
‘Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to appreciate the immense support from government agencies and partners in fighting to extinguish fire in Tsavo Conservation area. The fire has now been put off, thanks to efforts by an interagency team,’ KWS said in a statement.
‘Both aerial and ground teams were mobilized, with graders, water bowsers and fire engines at the site to augment the fight to extinguish the fire… Meanwhile a standby team will be at the fire site for the next 24 hours to watch out for any further outbreak.’
The extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
The area faced several wildfires in recent months, many of which were suspected to have been started intentionally. ‘The combination of long rains earlier in the year, which saw grasses grow tall, strong winds and inaccessible areas have made this a high fire risk period in Tsavo,’ conservation group Sheldrick Wildlife Trust explained.
Another fire broke out at Tsavo National Park. @kwskenya team are on the ground with volunteers who are helping to put out the fires.pic.twitter.com/i5Urn3MIlQ
— Boombuzz Kenya (@BoombuzzKE) August 9, 2020
A Kenya Air Force Helicopter pours water at the Tsavo National Park in an effort to put out the fire. pic.twitter.com/nt80wjo6nx
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) August 9, 2020
Tsavo National park is on fire for weeks now, little media coverage, anyway it doesn’t meet the agenda setting for any day yet we encourage local tourism! pic.twitter.com/cVmD4jWZQL
— (@onjolo_kenya) August 10, 2020
#WildFireNews:
‘ #Kenya Hunts For Arsonists Behind Fires At Tsavo Wildlife Sanctuary ‘ >https://t.co/HGLwSNSGRd < The Fire At The Expansive Wildlife Sanctuary Located On Kenya’s Southeastern Plains Have Undermined Efforts To Conserve Iconic Species..▼https://t.co/ERCWPAvg7G
. pic.twitter.com/H8mHiDMvVi— Paul Millard (@SeaShepherdPaul) August 10, 2020
Image credit: Twitter/SeaShepherdPaul
