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Deadly fires in Aberdare Park

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 20 – Several deadly fires in the Northern Section of the Aberdare National Park forest reserve have destroyed a section of the park.

Reports indicate that the first fire, which started on March 13, was started by residents living on the edge of the park who are yet to be identified, as they tried to clear bushes around that area.

The fire soon became uncontrollable due to the dried grassland and strong winds which spread the fire even further.

Affected animals in the park have already started relocating to safer grounds.

Senior Warden Simon Wachiuri told Capital News on Friday that park officials with help from members of the public were able to contain the first blaze, but were caught unawares when a second fire started on Thursday morning.

“We had already contained the first fire when someone started another fire near the park fence,” he said.

Mr Wachiuri went on to say that: “the fire has gone on to destroy part of the perimeter fence causing fear that animals would go through.”

On Thursday afternoon, the warden said that fire fighters and park officials had been able to contain the second blaze, with continued support from residents of the surrounding area. Park officials have embarked on setting up control measures.

“We have put in place monitory measures to ensure that the fire doesn’t start again,” Mr Wachiuri added.

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It is estimated that a total of 840 hectares have been charred by the two fires.

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