A fire outbreak at Loldaiga Conservancy in Laikipia County on Wednesday has razed approximately 15 acres of vegetation, reigniting concerns about fire management in the area. The inferno, which broke out around noon, spread rapidly, making containment efforts difficult for local residents.
According to area chief Wang’ombe Wanjau, the fire is believed to have originated from one of the rangers’ camps. Local community members attempted to put out the blaze but were soon overwhelmed by its intensity and speed.
“People from the community tried to put it out, but it spread too fast for them,” Wanjau stated in a phone interview.
The situation was eventually controlled by the neighbouring Loisaba Conservancy, which dispatched a firefighting team equipped to tackle such emergencies. Their swift response prevented the flames from spreading further, averting a potential environmental disaster in the 45,000-acre conservancy.
Gateri Mwangi, a resident near Loldaiga Conservancy, emphasized the community’s struggle in fighting the fire. “The fire started around noon, and we tried to put it out, but it kept spreading. We are yet to establish the exact cause,” he noted.
This is not the first time Loldaiga Conservancy has experienced a devastating fire. In March 2021, a massive blaze engulfed nearly 12,000 acres, displacing wildlife and affecting the local community. That fire was linked to activities by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK), leading to widespread outcry over safety measures and environmental protection.
Authorities are now assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the latest fire. Given the history of fire incidents in the conservancy, questions are being raised about the preparedness of local communities and conservancy management in handling such emergencies.
Time remains a crucial factor in fire response efforts. The ability to detect and contain wildfires quickly can mean the difference between manageable damage and large-scale destruction. While Loisaba Conservancy’s timely intervention helped control Wednesday’s blaze, the incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced fire management strategies, including better equipment and training for local communities.
As investigations continue, stakeholders in conservation and disaster management are calling for improved fire prevention measures to protect the delicate ecosystem of Loldaiga. Without proactive action, the risk of future fire outbreaks remains a serious concern for both wildlife and surrounding communities.
