By Sukhdev Chhatbar
A wildfire that started on the upper ridges of Mount Hanang on December 3, 2025 has destroyed a significant section of the mountain’s protected forest, prompting large-scale response from district, regional and national authorities.
Officials say, the blaze which began deep inside the Mount Hanang Nature Forest Reserve, has already consumed over 400 hectares of vegetation. Fire crews have struggled to halt its spread due to thick forest cover, sharp ridges and shifting winds that repeatedly reignite areas already doused.
As we went to press Thursday, the fire was still blazing. Regional Commandant, Fire and Rescue Brigade, Assistant Superintendent, Emmanuel Kibona told The Arusha News by phone that they had succeeded containing the fire by a very large percentage.
“Our major efforts are currently directed towards containing the blaze from spreading to human settlements,” he said.
Manyara Regional Commissioner, Queen Sendiga, said the fire fighting operation has grown steadily as conditions got worse, with more than 200 personnel mobilised, including militia units, the rangers from the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), local scouts and hundreds of volunteers from surrounding villages.
She noted that despite their efforts, the fire has been “behaving erratically,” spreading into gullies and pockets that are difficult to reach on foot.
Authorities have ruled out speculation linking the blaze to volcanic activity, stating that early assessment pointed to human-related causes such as illegal firewood collection, using smoke to collect wild honey and careless behaviour inside the reserve.
TFS conservation officer, Abubakary Mpapa, said the destroyed areas included ecologically sensitive zones that support local wildlife and serve as crucial water sources for communities on the mountain’s slopes. He warned that destroyed vegetation could increase erosion risk and affect long-term water availability.
For many residents of Katesh town and neighbouring villages, the sight of flames on Mount Hanang has revived painful memories of two years ago when massive landslides killed dozens, destroyed farmlands and scores of homes.
Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Dr Ashatu Kijaji, who has been monitoring the situation, described the fire as “serious and demanding coordinated action.”
Local leaders have been directed to create firebreaks and keep the blaze from spreading closer to human settlements. While there have been no reports of injuries or property loss, officials say the environmental impact will be assessed once the fire is fully contained.
Wildfire on Mt Hanang, which began on December 3, continues to burn, although large sections have now been contained. Efforts are ongoing to fully extinguish the remaining fire.
