Forest fires may continue till mid-march, KFS warns
Environment
By
Esther Nyambura
| Feb 27, 2025
The smoking of timbers spotted in some areas within Elgeyo Marakwet County. 20. 02.2021 [Peter Ochieng, Standard]
Forest fires may continue till mid-march, Kenya Forest Service has warned.
This comes amid surge in wildfires, experienced in Mt. Kenya and Aberdare forests since January 2025.
In a statement, KFS warned: "The heightened fire season is anticipated to continue until mid-March 2025".
The anticipated risk of forest fires is attributed to the current dry weather conditions, characterised by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.
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The rapid drying up of vegetation and the accumulation of combustible materials is also considered a factor that could exacerbate the situation
According to the service unit, at least 1,357 hectares of various vegetation types within the Mau (Maasai Mau), North Rift, Coast, Central Highlands (Mt. Kenya and Aberdares), and Eastern Conservancies have been destroyed by fire since January.
Significantly, fires have been reported in Isiolo, Garissa, and coastal ecosystems since January 2025.
The KFS Command Centre has recorded 180 fire incidents, resulting in the burning of 1,357.97 hectares within gazetted forests.
To this effect, Kenyans have been warned agaisnt burning vegetations near or within forests.
Additionally, individuals with intent to burn vegetation near forest reserves are ordered to provide written notification 48 hours in advance to KFS or nearest police station.