All media courtesy: Routes Adventure
Support Mount Kenya Trust in putting out the fires by sending your donation to:
MPESA Paybill Number: 329142
Account Number: FIRES
Once again, news about wildfires in Mount Kenya hit the headlines on Monday 15 April 2019. The Fire broke out near Sirmon Gorge which is in the moorlands areas between Kiambogo and Karuri. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) team from Ontulili and the Mount Kenya Trust (MKT) were the first to respond. Kenya Wildlife Service, KFS and MKT mobilised further teams to fight the fires from early morning and MKT asked for Tropic Air Kenya‘s help with the water bucket.
Tropic Air Kenya Helicopters and nearly 400 people were involved in fighting 6 separate fires that had started as one fire. More help came in from the KFS chopper, the police, county fire fighters and some KDF men who joined the team on the ground.
Over the past few days, the teams have been battling the fire using fire beaters and jembes on the ground with aerial support of a water bucket drop from Tropic Air Kenya. Many claim the fire was man made and the likely culprit of all this devastating situation being a charcoal burner. The Sirimon area is notorius for charcoal burning.
These fires have depleted the resources of the Mount Kenya Trust considerably and the teams are still on the ground. If you would like to support, send to:
MPESA Paybill: 329142
Account: FIRES
“We know that all these fires are caused by illegal activity that goes on every day. We know that the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service are not given the tools and funds to operate as effectively as they should, given that there are many good men and women on the ground. We know they are many good forces, but that they rarely have even the most basic support. Worst of all as a result of this people are continued to be allowed into the National Reserve that threaten the ecosystem,” the Mount Kenya Trust added.
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