Wildfire engulfs Mount Kilimanjaro, Govt deploys soldiers, volunteer firefighters

Wildfire has engulfed Mount Kilimanjaro, destroying vegetation and wildlife in the international tourist venue. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa of Tanzania on Thursday stated that hundreds of soldiers and volunteers have been battling to extinguish the inferno that broke out two weeks ago.

It was gathered that the fire outburst occurred on October 21 near the Karanga site used by climbers ascending Africa’s highest mountain, at about 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) altitude on its south side.

The inferno was said to have spread to other parts, burning through some 33 square kilometres (13 square miles) of the Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site which is home to many endangered species.

Prime Minster Majaliwa had briefed parliament that, “while efforts were focused on Karanga area, other fires emerged in the areas of Mandara in Marangu district and Ubetu Samanga on the side of Rombo district in the Kilimanjaro National Park, affecting natural vegetation and… wildlife,”

It was disclosed that about 900 soldiers have been deployed to reinforce civilian firefighters and volunteers battling to extinguish the fire in the Karanga area.

According to Majaliwa, “Efforts to tackle the fires continue and most areas are under control.

“The government is still investigating the source of the fires so as to take appropriate action.”