Since the initial fire occurred on October 21 on one of the most popular climbing routes, extensive attempts have been made to put them under control. However, satellite footage reveals that fires on Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, are still raging.
On the eastern slope of the mountain, not far from Mawenzi Peak, a second fire has apparently started.
Flames that were still burning on Sunday in these two locations are shown by infrared hotspots. People who live close to the mountain claim that their villages can see the fires burning at night. One tweeted pictures and videos.
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More than 500 people have been working to put out the fire, including firefighters, park rangers, tour guides, and citizens. However, according to Tanzania’s government, the fire is spreading quickly due to a protracted drought, layers of decomposing organic matter, and high winds.
Although the exact source of the fire is unknown, the government believes that human activity is most likely to be blamed. On the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, thousands of hectares of forest were decimated two years ago by a week-long fire.
