Wildfires Break Out In Kenya's Isiolo, Spreading Towards 4 Villages

The Kenya Red Cross on Sunday, January 19 confirmed the outbreak of wildfires that have ravaged parts of Isiolo County for more than two days.

Elders, residents, and human rights activists have been up in arms since Wednesday over the government's apparent inaction after a fire broke out in Merti Sub-County, consuming more than 10 square kilometres of grazing fields.

The inferno has consumed acres of grazing fields, leaving herders struggling to find a way with regard to how they will feed their livestock.

Whereas the fire began at Merti, it has since spread to Iresaboru, Badana, and Sericho villages. Parts of Matarba, Korbesa, and Malkagalla have also been affected, and there is a genuine concern that if not contained, the fires could reach residential houses and other institutions in Isiolo.

Wildfires which broke out in Isiolo at a grazing field. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

With the government being accused of doing nothing to contain the fires, the Kenya Red Cross revealed that it was putting all efforts to contain the fires alongside the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

"For the last two days, we have been responding alongside KWS and community members to contain the wildfire in Sericho, Garbatula Sub County, Isiolo. The fire remains active, spreading toward Sericho, Biliki, Badana and Basa villages," stated the Kenya Red Cross in part.

"Specialized equipment is being mobilized as efforts continue. We remain on the ground, responding and closely monitoring the situation."

Initially, area residents tried to contain the fire using the few resources available to them to no avail. The Red Cross' latest update outlines the threat posed by the fires as fears mount that it could spread to houses.

Wildfires in areas like Isiolo are not uncommon in semi-arid areas in the country, particularly because the dry climates leave the grasslands prone to easily catching fire. Another factor that exacerbates the situation in areas like Isiolo is the strong winds which, when coupled with dry vegetation, can easily lead to the spread of wildfires.

The outbreak of the Isiolo wildfires has incidentally bore similarities to wildfires in Los Angeles, California in the United States (US), thousands of kilometres from Kenya. The wildfires ripped through almost 15,000 hectares since January 7, affecting a small number of Kenyans residing in some of the areas.