Wildfire Breaks Out in Isiolo, Spreads to 4 Villages

The Kenya Red Cross on Sunday issued an update on the raging 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 ten kilometres square of grazing fields.

The inferno has consumed acres of grazing fields, leaving herders lost for a way forward on how they will feed their livestock.

While the inferno started in 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.

Amid concern that the government was doing nothing to contain the fires, the Kenya Red Cross revealed that they have been responding to the fires alongside the Kenya Wildlife Service.

“For the last two days, we have been responding alongside KWS and community members to contain the wildfire in Sericho, Garbatula Sub County, Isiolo,” a statement from the Kenya Red Cross read.

Red Cross further revealed that despite efforts to contain it, the wildfires remain active and there was a genuine threat it could spread to houses.

In the latest update, it was also revealed that specialised equipment was being mobilised to help mitigate the effects of the fire. Initially, area residents tried to contain the fire using the few resources available to them to no avail.

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.

Incidentally, the Isiolo wildfires come amid a larger spate of fires miles away in the United States.

In Los Angeles California, the wildfires have reportedly torn through almost 15,000 hectares since January 7, affecting a small number of Kenyans residing in some of the areas.