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Hundreds mobilise in Tanzania to contain Mount Kilimanjaro fire
Hundreds of volunteers including students and residents have mobilised in Tanzania to help fire fighters in their efforts to contain a blaze on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Strong winds on Sunday, 11 October 2020. Winds helped fan the fire but the winds have since died down. So far, no injuries or deaths have been reported but the flames destroyed some 28 square kilometres of mainly tree heather and also the Horombo Tourist Camp, including twelve huts, two toilets and solar energy installations. Pascal Shelutete, an official with Tanzania’s National Parks service (TANAPA) said on Monday the fire was still burning. “Fire fighters from TANAPA, other government institutions and locals are continuing with the efforts to contain it,” he added. Every year, some 50 000 tourists climb Kilimanjaro, which rises to 5 895 metres (nearly 20 000 feet) above sea level. The fire started at the Whona area, a rest centre for climbers using Mandara and Horombo, two of the several routes up the mountain, Shelutete said in a statement. TANAPA was taking all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and their equipment, Shelutete said. “The fire is big and they are continuing to fight it,” said Alex Kisingo, deputy head at the College of African Wildlife Management located near the mountain in northeastern Tanzania. The college has sent 264 staff and students to help fight the fire, Kisingo said. They were working with local authorities to help deliver food and water to the fire fighters, he added.
Tanzania’s minister for tourism and natural resources Hamisi Kigwangalla said on Friday, 16 October 2020, that the blaze on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro National Park is largely under control. “We would like to inform the public that the exercise to put off the blaze that erupted on Mount Kilimanjaro is ongoing but the fire is largely under control,” said Kigwangalla. The fire had spread making it more difficult to control it due to high altitude and strong winds, according to the minister. The fire could be seen from as far as Moshi, a town known as the gateway to the mountain, which has three volcanic cones and is one of Tanzania’s major tourist attractions. According to the minister, tourism activities have not been affected by the fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Sources: Al Jazeera, CGTN Africa |
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