The fire that broke out inside Kilimanjaro National Park has been 90 percent contained, Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji said on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Dr Kijaji made the announcement after visiting the affected area to assess the situation and review measures being taken by authorities to contain and extinguish the fire.
She said tourism activities inside the park were continuing normally despite the incident, while firefighting teams remained on the ground to ensure the fire was brought under complete control.
The minister urged communities living around national parks to exercise caution and avoid activities that could trigger fires and threaten wildlife and the environment.
“I urge communities living around protected areas to avoid activities that could cause fires and harm the environment and wildlife inside the parks. They should also continue respecting the boundaries between protected areas and community settlements,” Dr Kijaji said.
Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) Conservation Commissioner Massana Mwishawa said firefighting efforts were progressing well, with conservation rangers working alongside the Fire and Rescue Force, tourism stakeholders and other partners.
He said the joint response would continue until the fire was fully extinguished and the area secured against further spread.
Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Head of TANAPA’s Communications Unit, Catherine Mbena, thanked all stakeholders who had contributed to the firefighting operation, including those who provided resources and technical support.
She said the collective efforts demonstrated the importance of cooperation in protecting Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Tanzania’s most important natural and tourism assets.
The incident has also renewed calls for closer cooperation between communities bordering protected areas, conservation authorities and tourism stakeholders to prevent wildfires and protect biodiversity.
Authorities continue to emphasise that preventing fires requires joint responsibility, particularly in areas where human activities take place close to protected forests and wildlife habitats.
The government said efforts would continue to ensure the fire is fully contained while safeguarding the park’s environment and maintaining tourism activities.