Tanzania
The fire burning on Mount Kilimanjaro for almost two weeks has been largely contained after hundreds of military personnel were deployed to help, Tanzania’s prime minister said Thursday (November 3).
The blaze destroyed 33 square kilometers (nearly 13 square miles) on Africa's tallest and most famous mountain, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said.
The fire started on Oct. 21 near the Karanga camp, which is popular among the thousands of hikers who attempt the climb of the mountain every year.
The cause of the fire is yet to be established as investigations are ongoing, the prime minister said, adding that strong winds complicated the response.
On Tuesday, personnel from the Tanzania People’s Defense Force were deployed to help extinguish the flames. The prime minister said 878 soldiers and two helicopters were sent.
He said multiple fires had started on other parts of Mount Kilimanjaro but had been contained, and the main tourist sites there remain safe.
Mount Kilimanjaro, at 19,443 feet (5,926 meters), is a major tourist attraction in Tanzania. It wasn't clear how the fire affected tourist visits and the local economy.
Go to video
Oscar winner and champion of independent film, Robert Redford, dies at 89
01:00
Fire in Manila displaces 1,000 families and destroys several homes
02:20
Doll museum in Morocco celebrates culture, tradition
Go to video
Congo confirms new Ebola outbreak in Kasai
Go to video
Moroccan feminist and LGBTQ activist sentenced to prison in blasphemy case
Go to video
US approves $32.5 million in assistance to Nigeria to help address hunger