The Ministry of Interior has issued an update on the raging wildfire in Isiolo County threatening to wipe out huge chunks of grazing land in the semi-arid region.
Authorities say the flames believed to have destroyed more than 200,000 acres in Merti were linked to an attempt by herders to fight tick infestation in the expansive grazing lands.
The biggest wildfire is said to have started in the Malkagalla area of Merti a week ago and continues to devour grass, shrubs, and trees.
A second fire sparked at Chaffa near the Lorian swamp, along the Ewaso Nyiro River, in Sericho four days ago.
Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omondi had on Monday, January 21, said the fire had destroyed over 190,000 acres and was raging in Bassa, Matarba, and Sericho locations.
In an update, the Ministry of Interior on Monday evening said that the fire has affected an estimated 300,000 acres.
The wildfires have posed a significant challenge due to strong winds and hot weather conditions, according to the Kipchumba Murkomen-led Ministry.
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Interior Ministry issues update on Isiolo wildfire
It further said that a multi-agency team comprising of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), the National Police Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Red Cross, the County Government of Isiolo, and local community members, spent the better part of Sunday containing the spread of the fire and preventing further destruction.
“Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and no damage has occurred to human settlements, livestock, or wildlife.
However, small pockets of fire remain in Sericho and Malkagada, where teams are still working to put them out. Residents are advised to remain cautious as ongoing efforts to fully extinguish the remaining fires continue,” the Ministry stated.
The Kenya Red Cross, on its part, said their volunteers have been supporting locals and Kenya Wildlife Service Rangers in containing the fire for the last two days.
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The organisation said specialized equipment is being mobilised to contain the flames.
“The fire remains active, spreading toward Sericho, Biliki, Badana and Basa villages…we remain on the ground, responding and closely monitoring the situation,” Kenya Red Cross said in a statement on Monday.
Residents make appeal
Residents say aerial support is needed to contain the fire before it reaches settlements.
On Saturday, the Borana Council of Elders expressed dissatisfaction over the slow response by the county government of Isiolo in containing the inferno.
“The extent of damage on the pasture calls for national government’s attention. It is unfortunate that no one has responded since the fire started,” Borana Council of Elders chairman Mohamed Konso said.
The area has experienced similar wildfires in the past with the worst happening in 2020 when it covered over 150 kilometres.
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