TANAPA to acquire helicopter to boost Mount Kilimanjaro fire fighting

KILIMANJARO: THE Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) plans to acquire a helicopter to strengthen aerial firefighting operations on Mount Kilimanjaro as the government moves to improve emergency response following the recent wildfire.

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Ashatu Kijaji said yesterday after inspecting the affected area in Kikelelwa, North Kilimanjaro that the blaze has been more than 90 per cent contained and tourism activities are continuing as usual.

She said TANAPA will acquire the helicopter to help in fighting such incidents in future. “Helicopters are vital tools in mountain firefighting because they can reach steep, rugged terrain and deliver precise water drops where ground crews cannot go,” she said.

Dr Kijaji said all routes used for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro remain safe and that visitors can continue their activities without disruption.

“I would like to inform you and the entire public that the fire has been more than 90 per cent contained and has not in any way affected tourism activities, which are continuing as usual,” she said.

She said all routes used by climbers remain safe despite the fire, which broke out on September 3. Dr Kijaji said the government would issue an official statement on the exact cause of the fire and its long-term impact once investigations are completed.

She also called on residents living near National Parks to avoid activities that could spark fires and urged them to respect the buffer zones separating protected areas from surrounding communities.

“I urge citizens living around protected areas to avoid activities that can cause fires and damage the environment and wildlife. Continue respecting the boundaries between protected areas and community land,” she said.

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The minister said the government is preparing long-term measures to strengthen wildfire prevention and response on Africa’s highest mountain.

Among the planned measures is a comprehensive fire prevention strategy to be implemented jointly with the Fire and Rescue Force, tourism stakeholders and conservation authorities.

“There is an urgent need to develop practical fire prevention plans in coordination with the Fire and Rescue Department. This is a responsibility that requires the active participation of all tourism stakeholders,” she said.

She said another key strategy is to deploy trained rescue teams to high-risk areas before fires occur, enabling faster response and reducing damage.

“This will help us combat fires much earlier instead of waiting until they spread before mobilising rescuers,” she added.