Thick columns of smoke billow from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro after a fire swept through part of the mountain, last week.
FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN MOSHI
A wildfire that broke out on Mount Kilimanjaro has been largely brought under control with authorities continuing to monitor the affected area for remaining hotspots.
The fire started on September 3 in the Kikelelwa area of Kilimanjaro National Park in Rombo District, prompting a joint response involving Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), firefighters, conservation personnel, tourism stakeholders and residents from neighbouring communities.
Authorities said the blaze had been contained by more than 90 per cent within the first few days of the operation.
Teams remained on the mountain to extinguish smouldering vegetation and tree stumps, particularly in areas where the terrain made access difficult.
TANAPA has maintained that tourism activities on Mount Kilimanjaro have continued, with established climbing routes remaining safe for visitors.
No deaths or injuries have been reported in connection with the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not yet been officially established, with authorities saying investigations are continuing.
TANAPA has also said a full assessment of the area will be carried out to establish the extent of environmental damage caused by the fire.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, visited the affected area as firefighting efforts continued and called for greater vigilance against activities that could trigger fires in protected areas.
The incident has again highlighted the challenge of fighting wildfires on Kilimanjaro, where steep terrain, dry vegetation and difficult-to-reach areas can complicate firefighting operations.
As of Wednesday, September 9, authorities had not issued a fresh public announcement declaring the fire completely extinguished, although the latest official information indicated that the blaze had been largely contained and tourism activities were continuing as usual.
