The fire that has been raging in Mt Kenya since Thursday (March 15, 2012) is still burning. Efforts to put out the fire are still on with the support of many stakeholders and neighbouring community members.

The KWS Head of Airwing Maj (Rtd) Solomon Nyanjui and Mr Simon Gitau, the Mt Kenya National Park deputy warden on Saturday morning conducted an aerial surveillance and found fires still burning at various fronts. Fire was burning at Naromoru, Nairobi river, Burguret /Kahururura and Chogoria. A total 130 people are involved in the exercise.

The volunteers helping include the British Army, Kenya Forest Service, Lady Lori and communities from Nanyuki, Gathiuru and Naromoru. Lady Lori dropped four Bambi buckets of water on Burguret fire while the British army has brought in a Puma helicopter and other technical support. Further support to contain the fire has been received from Mt Kenya Trust, Tambuzi Farm, Born Free Foundation, Mt Kenya Tourist Circuit Association, Mountain Club of Kenya and Mt Kenya game scouts.

The weather conditions are windy, hot and low moisture content, conditions favourable to the spread of the fire.

Another fire burning in the Aberdare National Park is also being contained by several teams. In the meantime, KWS is mobilising further resources and other necessary support to save the two critical water towers from further destruction by the fire.