Kenya on Fire

Last Sunday we saw smoke billowing from Mount Longonot. The news was filled with worry about all the animals which would be burned to death because they cannot escape the flames. How tragic! Apparently at least 70,000 acres had burned in Kenya by Monday, including many fields of maize almost ready for harvest. When we drove to Nairobi on Monday there was little smoke coming from the crater though the one half of the mountain was black from the fires. By evening though the winds had fanned the flames back to life and smoke was once again pouring from the crater.

Mount Longonot, Fire Damage

The fires are still not out. Yesterday the winds roared the fire back to life. Smoke was pouring from the Longonot volcano as though it had just erupted.

Smoke Billowing from Mount Longonot
(From the shores of the drying lake at Sopa Lodge)

We can also see many other fires on the other side of the lake. It looks as though Eburru is completely on fire. The fires are not like those in other countries as we don’t have such big trees here to burn. But still, with the drought, the country cannot afford to lose the few trees left or the little remaining grass when the animals are in such desperate need for food.

The Hills Around Lake Naivasha on Fire
(Eburro on the right with smoke rising all over)

Today there are many clouds in the sky so perhaps the rains will arrive soon. What a blessing that would be!