The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dismissed reports claiming that volcanic activity caused a recent wildfire at Mt. Longonot.
The clarification comes after concerns spread on social media, with some members of the public fearing that the dormant volcano had become active.
Mt. Longonot, located in Nakuru County, is a well-known volcanic mountain and a popular tourist destination.
Smoke seen rising from the mountain earlier sparked panic among nearby residents and online users, leading to speculation that volcanic movement was taking place. However, KWS has confirmed that the incident was a wildfire and not related to any volcanic activity.
In a statement, KWS assured the public that there is no evidence of an eruption or underground volcanic activity at Mt. Longonot.
According to the agency, the fire was caused by dry vegetation, strong winds, and hot weather conditions, which have increased the risk of wildfires in many parts of the country.
KWS officers, together with other emergency response teams, were deployed to the area to assess the situation and contain the fire.
The teams worked to prevent the fire from spreading further and to protect wildlife, tourists, and nearby communities. KWS noted that the situation was under control and continued monitoring was ongoing.
The agency also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media, as it can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. KWS encouraged people to rely on official sources for accurate updates during such incidents.
Mt. Longonot National Park is home to various wildlife species and attracts hikers and tourists throughout the year. Wildfires pose a serious threat to the ecosystem, destroying vegetation and endangering animals.
KWS emphasized the importance of protecting natural resources and called on the public to report any fire outbreaks early.
Authorities have also reminded visitors and nearby residents to observe safety measures, especially during the dry season.
Activities such as careless disposal of cigarette butts or lighting fires in protected areas can easily lead to dangerous wildfires.
As investigations continue, KWS reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s national parks and ensuring public safety.
The service assured the public that any major developments regarding Mt. Longonot would be communicated through official channels.
For now, KWS has confirmed that Mt. Longonot remains safe, and there is no volcanic threat linked to the recent fire incident.
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