The highest mountain in Africa has been hit by a fire that started on Sunday. This large tourist resort, located in Tanzania, rises to 5895 meters above sea level. On the spot, hundreds of people – firefighters, soldiers, volunteers – are trying to limit the advance of the flame.
With our regional correspondent in Nairobi,
Nearly 400 soldiers, 600 firefighters, residents of the region, students and staff from tourism companies have been deployed on the slopes of Kilimanjaro in an attempt to control the fire. The flames have engulfed the famous Tanzanian mountain for two days and can be seen as far as the city of Moshi, 30 kilometers away.
According to Tanapa, the Tanzanian National Park Agency, the fire started in Whona, a stage used by hikers launched to attack the summit. The affected areas are located between Mandara Hut at an altitude of 2,700 meters and Horomobo Hut at 3,700 meters.
As for the cause of the fire, this Tuesday morning, Pascal Shelutete, Deputy Director of Communications for Tanapa, issued the first conclusions: “The fire would have been started accidentally by porters preparing food for hikers. They heated up food and the fire hit the grass. We are in the dry season and the flames can spread very quickly. The fire is currently spreading over an area consisting mainly of shrubs and bushes. ”
The Tanzanian National Park Agency is reassuring, saying that the tropical forest was not affected and that the safety of visitors was ensured. Kilimanjaro is an economic lung for Tanzania and a natural gem recognized by Unesco. The UN agency has also often warned of the dangers posed by human activity.
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