Detection, Response And Mitigation
Grow Your Vision
Forest fires are one of the most destructive and rapidly escalating threats to the Mt. Kenya ecosystem. MKT has invested in training, equipment, fire breaks and coordinated response systems to protect the forests and communities that depend on them.
Forest fires on Mount Kenya have become more frequent and severe as a result of climate change, prolonged droughts and increasing human activity at the forest boundary. In 2019, a moorland fire burned an estimated 20,000 hectares one of the most destructive in the mountain’s recent history. MKT worked alongside Rhino Ark, KFS, KWS, CFAs and Tropic Air to coordinate the firefighting response.
.In March 2022, MKT deployed up to 35 trained personnel daily and coordinated between 150 and 200 community members during a major fire episode. Critically, MKT organised helicopter from Tropic Air to provide additional support. KFS and KWS have publicly recognised MKT’s leadership in firefighting coordination and community training.
Fire Management Plan
MKT has developed a comprehensive fire management plan for Mt. Kenya, including a reporting and command system and coordinated protocols for multi-agency response.
Fire Breaks
MKT has constructed over 11km of fire breaks along overgrown high-altitude tracks, expanding each track by 3m on each side to create defensible space
Community Fire Fighters
MKT has trained and equipped 140 scouts from 6 CFAs (Community Forest Associations) to provide first response and additional support in fire response and mitigation. ,