For nearly two weeks, the flames scorched the forests and foothills of Mount Meru, including swathes of Arusha National Park. The fire threatened hundreds of people and animals.
Nearly every day, however, more than 800 community volunteers and rangers trekked for up to three hours up the mountain to combat the inferno. Honeyguide helped deploy a small unit from Enduimet Wildlife Management Area to support firefighting brigades.
These troops and farmers lacked any kind of proper equipment for battling a wildfire. They faced winds of up to 35 kilometers per hour. They also battled exhaustion, hunger, and smoke inhalation. Local tourist lodges, like Africa Amini Life, sent bottled water, face masks, and blankets up the mountain for them.
The total destruction caused by the fire, as well as its origin, is currently being assessed. Yet the valiant collaborative efforts of communities, Tanzania National Parks Association (TANAPA), and many other groups and agencies to put out the fire deserve our highest praise and admiration.
