Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) says it has contained the fire at Tsavo National Park.
The fire broke out on Saturday along the Maktau-Taveta Road to the South of Murka, according to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT).
KWS said the fire “…is suspected to have been lit by arsonists”.
On Monday it announced that “The fire has now been put off, thanks to efforts by an interagency team.”
In a statement it clarified that the fire had been contained on Sunday night, but “strong winds in the area ignited it,” around the Murka area in Tsavo West National Park.
Update: The fire is contained. Teams remain ready to respond should the situation change, however, at this time the unwavering efforts of personnel from @KWSKenya @kdfinfo, NGOs, volunteer groups, lodges, and ourselves have put out the fire
— Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (@SheldrickTrust) August 10, 2020
According to KWS, both aerial and ground teams were mobilised, with graders, water bowsers, and fire engines at the site to augment the fight to extinguish the fire.
A Kenya Air Force Helicopter pours water at the Tsavo National Park in an effort to put out the fire. pic.twitter.com/nt80wjo6nx
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) August 9, 2020
“Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to appreciate the immense support from government agencies and partners in fighting to extinguish fire…”
“Your efforts and sacrifices are appreciated beyond words,” the service said on Twitter.
@kwskenya reports that #TsavoFires have been put off.While this is good news, it's still not something to smile about.We need long-term solutions to wild fires! Tsavo fires have happened about 7 times in just 1 month! Now declare the parks sacred &arrest arsonists!#SaveTsavo #KOT pic.twitter.com/45pTdg2Gy2
— Elizabeth Wathuti 🇰🇪 (@lizwathuti) August 10, 2020
Tsavo is made up of two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Located in Coast Province of Kenya in between Nairobi City and Mombasa.
Tsavo is nearly 22,000km2, being the largest national park in Kenya and one of the largest in the world. The park was split into two due to the railway going from Mombasa to the interior of Kenya.
