Kitale state forests destroyed by fires
Kitale state forests destroyed by fires
03 February 2012
published by www.the-star.co.ke
Kenya — More than 10 acres of government forest in Trans Nzoia county were yesterdaydestroyed by wild fires. Trans Nzoia Kenyaforest zonal manager Simon Wahome said the fires started in the afternoon intwo forests. Wahome said the first started at Kabolet forest inCherangany and destroyed five acres and the second atKitale forest destroying a similar number of acres.
Speaking in Kitale, Wahome said: “We suspect that theKabolet fire was caused by people who were harvesting forest honeyin the forest.” The second fire at Kitale was caused bybhang and cigarette smokers who hide in the forest, added Wahome. He said, Our forest officers are collaborating with regular policeto ensure that the culprits are arrested.
He commended the residents ofKabolet area for helping put out the fire. The Kitale fire was put out by Khetiasfire fighter, a private firm. Wahome asked public members to inform forestofficers whenever they detect a fire in the forests. Residents should volunteer information to our officersbecause fires canspread fast during this dry spell, he said.
