A forest fire broke out in Taita Taveta County, days after a separate blaze threatened parts of Lake Nakuru National Park. The blaze, which erupted on Tuesday, February 10, affected sections of Irizi Forest in Mwatate.
This triggered a multi-agency emergency response as authorities raced to contain the flames.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross said teams were already on the ground working jointly with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers, local authorities, partners, and members of the community to control the fire.
“A widespread forest fire has affected parts of Irizi Forest in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County. Kenya Red Cross is on the ground with KWS, partners, authorities and the community. Hilly terrain is challenging containment, and aerial support is being considered.”
The extent of the damage was not immediately clear by the time of publication. Preliminary reports indicate that authorities are continuing to assess the situation even as containment efforts intensify.
Irizi Forest fire
Further, the reports indicated that emergency teams remain on high alert amid fears that dry conditions and difficult terrain could allow the fire to spread further.
Irizi Forest is part of a fragile ecosystem, and fires in the region pose significant risks to wildlife, nearby communities, and the environment.
The vast ecosystem has previously been at the centre of illegal logging and forest degradation. A report presented to the Taita Taveta County Assembly on September 30, 2025, raised an alarm about widespread destruction in the Irizi and Kinyeshamvua forests, both of which are nationally gazetted and managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
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During the assembly debate, Kishushe Ward MCA Newton Kifuso revealed that despite repeated complaints from communities and conservation stakeholders, little action had been taken to halt illegal logging and the harvesting of round poles.
The County Assembly said in a statement that MCA Kifuso cited credible reports alleging collusion between some forest rangers and illegal loggers, including claims that certain officers were supervising the removal and transport of timber, thereby weakening enforcement and exposing the forests to accelerated destruction.
“He cited credible reports indicating that some forest rangers were colluding with illegal loggers and traders, with some even supervising the removal and transportation of timber. This, he argued, had rendered protection and enforcement mechanisms ineffective and exposed the fragile ecosystems to unprecedented destruction.”
The MCA called for urgent investigations into the alleged collusion, disciplinary and legal action against any officers found culpable, and the establishment of community-based monitoring mechanisms in line with the Forest Act.
He also warned that the continued destruction of gazetted forests threatened biodiversity, water catchments, and climate stability in the region.
“Wundanyi/Mbale Ward MCA, Hon. Jimmy Mwamidi, reminded the House that nature is unforgiving and stressed the importance of protecting forests today to safeguard the future. He warned that the destruction of nationally gazetted forests would lead to flash floods in the lowlands and echoed community calls to stop the transportation of logs,” the statement adds.
On his part, Mwatate Ward MCA Joseph Mwalegha said the environment is crucial, adding that ongoing destruction has worsened water scarcity in his ward. He observed that the county had failed in its responsibility to protect natural resources.
Lake Nakuru National Park fire
The Irizi Forest fire comes just days after another incident at Lake Nakuru National Park. On February 6, flames reportedly originating from Lake View Estate spread into the protected area, affecting the Honeymoon Hill section.
Also Read: KWS Issues Warning After Fire Incident at Lake Nakuru National Park
KWS, in a notice, said the Nakuru fire broke out at around 4:00 p.m. and was successfully contained by 10:00 p.m. through a coordinated response involving its rangers, community members, the city fire team, and the Bondeni Police.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded. KWS cautioned the public against lighting fires during the dry season, warning that strong winds and dry vegetation can cause flames to spread rapidly, posing serious threats to human life, wildlife, property, and the environment.
The agency noted that such fires destroy habitats, reduce grazing areas, and heighten human–wildlife conflict.
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