FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN MOSHI
A fierce fire on Mount Kilimanjaro has forced the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to temporarily close two climbing routes as teams worked to contain the blaze.
The fire erupted on September 28 in the Sangarini area of Kamwanga towards Shira, weeks after another outbreak destroyed more than 1,800 hectares of vegetation in Kikelelwa.
TANAPA suspended access through Lemosho and Londorosi to protect tourists, workers and others operating on the mountain.
In a statement issued on September 28, Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Communication Ms Catherine Mbena, said the closures were a precaution while firefighting operations continued.
Climbers booked to use the affected routes were advised to take the Machame, Marangu or Rongai routes instead.
Park personnel are working alongside the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force, Tanzania Forest Services, Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, the Reserve Force, residents and tourism stakeholders to tackle the fire.
The outbreak comes shortly after the earlier fire, which burned for nearly two weeks, raising renewed concerns over damage to the mountain’s natural vegetation. TANAPA had not announced a reopening date for the two routes when it issued the closure statement.
