Wildfire kills, animals, vegetation in Kenya park

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Unknown numbers of wild animals and vegetation have been destroyed in a raging inferno that has swept through Mount Kenya National Park located in the East African nation.

The cause of the inferno that has entered day four is yet to be established but officials are pointing fingers at suspected poachers or honey harvesters.

Kenya Wildlife Service spokesman Paul Gathitu told Anadolu Agency the fire is yet to be contained.

“There was one arm (of the fire) going to the north (of Mount Kenya National Park) where we do not have access roads, there is a team that has gone to fly over the area,” he said. “It had different tongues. Some were going out as soon as they get to a ridge or river others we put out.”

Kenya Wildlife Service said everyone, including tourists, has been evacuated and efforts are underway to put out the fire with a multi-agency team, including the participation of local communities.