NAIROBI, Kenya— A wildfire broke out near Wilson Airport along the Southern Bypass, sending plumes of smoke into Nairobi’s skyline.
But thanks to swift action by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Nairobi City County, the flames were quickly contained before they could cause further damage.
However, the battle isn’t over yet. A second fire at the Athi Basin Dam area remains active with multiple agencies—including KWS, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), fire departments, and volunteers—working tirelessly to bring it under control.
𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬 Kenyan emergency teams continue to combat wildfires across multiple protected areas, with new developments underscoring both progress and…
What’s Causing the Fires?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, KWS suspects human activities played a major role. Some likely culprits?
- Discarded cigarette butts carelessly thrown in the dry grass.
- Illegal honey harvesting gone wrong.
- Possible arson, though authorities haven’t ruled anything out.
Combine these risks with Nairobi’s scorching dry conditions, and you have a perfect recipe for wildfires.
A second fire incident reported at Nairobi National Park in the Athi Basin Dam area. KWS, Kenya Defence Forces, volunteers, fire engines, and water bowsers are on-site. Photo: Courtesy
Response Efforts in High Gear
As the flames spread toward Athi Basin Dam, fire engines and water bowsers were quickly deployed to the scene.
KDF teams joined the firefighting mission, reinforcing the ongoing containment efforts.
Volunteers have also stepped up, helping clear dry vegetation to prevent the fire from spreading further.
KWS is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential fire hazards inside the park.
With Nairobi National Park facing increasing environmental threats, authorities are calling for stricter fire safety measures and enhanced monitoring to prevent future outbreaks.
Investigations are ongoing, and updates will follow as more details emerge.
