Tanzania: Authorities battle Mt Kilimanjaro wildfire for second day October 13 /update 1

Event

As of Tuesday, October 13, at least a thousand personnel have been deployed to Mt Kilimanjaro in efforts to contain an ongoing blaze than began two days prior. More than 600 firefighters and 400 soldiers have been battling the blaze, which is believed to be man-made when a small fire made for cooking lit surrounding dry bush. Tanzania's National Parks Service (TANAPA) reports that the fire began in Whona, a location used by hikers who attempt to summit the mountain. The affected areas are located between Mandara Hut, at 8,858 ft (2,700 m) above sea level, and Horomobo Hut, at 12,139 ft (3,700 m).

No evacuations or casualties have been reported although authorities remain concerned that there may be a potential disruption to the local water supply as residents in communities at the base of Kilimanjaro are dependent on water from the mountain. 

Further spread of the fire is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fire are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders.