FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN: MOUNT KENYA TRUST FIRE MANAGEMENT EFFORTS.
- Maryanne Kuria
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
February usually marks a period of heightened vigilance for forest fires in the Mt. Kenya forest and its protected areas. The predominantly dry and windy conditions typical of the dry season, which lasts from December to March, significantly increase the risk of wildfires across the Mount Kenya ecosystem. This year was particularly hot and dry, with persistent winds worsening the situation. Dry vegetation and grass further contributed to the elevated fire risk. When we started receiving fire alerts, Mount Kenya Trust’s proactive and preventive approach to fire management, coupled with strong partnerships and community engagement, successfully mitigated the risk of extensive fire damage to the ecosystem.
Past forest fires have wrought severe devastation on Mount Kenya's rich biodiversity, leaving scars that impact both the biodiversity and the communities that rely on it for their livelihoods. Unfortunately, we are too familiar with the wrathful, ferocious flames ravaging & devouring extensive moorland swathes, lush bamboo groves, and towering tree canopies, which impede the success of our ongoing restoration efforts.
The 2019 fire was particularly menacing; it burned fiercely in the moorlands, and the challenging terrain and unequipped response teams hindered swift fire suppression efforts. The fire raged , taking an agonisingly long time to extinguish and scorching over 20,000 acres of land, transforming vibrant ecosystems into desolate landscapes of ash with scorched branches & stems, leaving a lasting impression on the landscape and MKT.
The causes of fires vary but are primarily attributed to increasing human activities in the forest, such as bush clearing by burning. These activities are often related to illegal activities such as marijuana plantations, poachers' dens, and illegal charcoal kilns in protected areas. These pose a significant challenge to our fire management efforts. Also, some local cultural beliefs lead to the misconception that burning grass and vegetation attracts rain. Climate change and unpredictable weather patterns further increase the risk of fires and complicate fire management.
MKT conducts targeted fire awareness campaigns in high-risk areas. These campaigns aim to sensitise local communities about the dangers of uncontrolled fires, demystifying myths and emphasizing the importance of promptly reporting fire incidents. Such engagement cultivates a culture of knowledge and responsibility toward the environment, benefiting the community and the ecosystem. In response to the increased fire risk, MKT increases the frequency and intensity of ground patrols in vulnerable forest areas during periods of high fire alert. These targeted patrols are conducted in collaboration with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers, emphasising our partnership in our mission to sustainably conserve the Mt. Kenya Ecosystem.
The Mount Kenya Trust Rangers are trained in forest fire fighting and have three trained Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) specialising in fire management. The Mount Kenya Trust employs a comprehensive fire management strategy emphasising early fire detection through satellite imagery, fire preparedness, and improved rapid response capabilities. To improve coordination and effectiveness in fire management, MKT has leveraged its strong collaborations with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and other stakeholders by proactively engaging them in Forest Fire Detection & Management.
MKT is committed to supporting its partners—KFS, KWS, and CFAs—in developing and implementing effective fire management plans through capacity building and resource mobilisation. In 2024, MKT trained 130 community members from five CFA groups- Ontulili, Narumoru, Nanyuki, Marania & Gathiuru CFA’s in rapid-fire response and management, teaching them strategies and methods for firefighting, an essential skill in the landscape. Additionally, MKT assisted these five trained CFAs in developing and executing effective fire management plans. To further support these community groups, MKT provided fire retardants and firefighting equipment to maintain well-equipped and trained rapid response teams on standby, ready to respond to fire incidents promptly & effectively.
In preparation for the high fire alert period, a series of dynamic refresher training sessions strengthened the skills of dedicated community fire response teams— KFS, KWS, MKT Rangers, and CFAs. These sessions focused intently on refreshing their firefighting skills, mastering fire suppression techniques, expertly handling equipment, and adhering to essential safety protocols. To implement their training, vibrant mock fire drills were orchestrated, simulating real-life scenarios to test response times and enhance coordination between various stakeholders.
As anticipated, February brought waves of apprehension for the Mount Kenya ecosystem, a valued UNESCO World Heritage Site. We addressed outbreaks of forest fires at the Ontulili and Gathiuru Forest Stations. Satellite imagery detected the fires, prompting a swift response. Well-coordinated efforts were undertaken, demonstrating our level of preparedness. The ground response teams confirmed and witnessed the flames dance ferociously to the crackling sounds of the vegetation burning. The cherished landscape's delicate balance was under threat, and they swung into action, putting in their best efforts to put the fires out, applying their firefighting skills and combining techniques to manage the situation.
The MKT team collaborated closely with community response teams and other stakeholders to effectively control and contain the fires. The fires were extinguished, with teams ensuring all flames were completely out to prevent them from being resurrected by the wind. Both incidents were managed well, and MKT and its partners successfully mitigated extensive damage to the vegetation. This successful collaboration highlighted the importance of our collective efforts in fire management and demonstrated what we can achieve together.
In the aftermath, the joint teams celebrated their success, with MKT facilitating refreshments for those who had committed to the task. The group sat by the burnt vegetation, and these images of charred trees, branches,grass and earth were a stark reminder of nature’s vulnerability to fire. The fire at Ontulili is reported to have been caused by illegal charcoal burning, burning 10 hectares of forest along the river and part of the plantations, while the Gathiuru fire is suspected to have been caused by arson, consuming 200 hectares of grassland and bush vegetation, predominantly leleshwa.
We are pleased to report significant improvements in community preparedness and support regarding the forest fires recorded in February 2025. These enhancements result from the training and awareness campaigns carried out before unpredictable events and the availability of resources that effectively equip fire response teams, especially those of the CFAs.
Although these efforts were successful, we can further improve how we address forest fires in the region. A significant constraint is maintaining adequate resources for fire management, including equipment, personnel, and resources. For example, while MKT was battling the Gathiuru Forest Fire, another even greater fire broke out in the Aberdares. MKT provided some assistance to those fighting it by offering equipment, but we had to be cautious and limit our support, as we fought the Gathiuru one & also needed to be prepared for any new fires.
This situation highlights the urgent need to equip more personnel with firefighting tools. One essential piece of equipment is the fire beater, a simple yet crucial tool for effective firefighting. However, the tools are not produced locally and are very costly to import. We recognise this gap in local production, which presents an opportunity and an eager market for affordable equipment. Funding would also enable investigations into forest fires.
In conclusion, MKT is dedicated to enhancing forest fire management through a comprehensive strategy that prioritises community involvement, efficient resource allocation, collaborative partnerships, and proactive measures to detect fires early and respond quickly & effectively. As we look ahead, we encourage all stakeholders to unite in this essential mission to protect our environment and strengthen resilient communities. There is fire on the Mountain, & now you know !!!
Join us in our mission to sustainably conserve the Mt. Kenya Ecosystem and address one of its biggest threats: FIRE !
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