Efforts underway to fully contain wildfires at Simien Mountains National Park

Addis Ababa, March 21, 2021 (FBC) – Office of Simien Mountain National Park announced efforts underway to contain the wildfires which is still active since yesterday afternoon.

Community Tourism Division Head at Simien Mountains National Park, Tadesse Yigzaw said the wildfire started hitting the forest starting around 3:00 PM local time yesterday.

Park’s Fire Brigades along with community members in Debark and Janamora and government officials are exrting maximum efforts to control the fire, he said, adding that half of the fire has already been contained.

The Simien Mountains National Park which is inscribed by UNESCO in 1978 as world’s natural heritage covers 412 Square Kilo Meters.

The blaze which hit the park in 2019 caused devastation of endemic grasses and shrubs in more than 1,000 ha of land.

The Simien Mountains National Park is home to endemic mammals including Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf and Chilada and indigenous flora and fauna.