Firefighters battle to contain a fire on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Oct. 12, 2020. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) said on Monday it has dispatched firefighters to put out fire that broke out Sunday on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. (Str/Xinhua)
DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) said on Monday it has dispatched firefighters to put out fire that broke out Sunday on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
The authorities also mobilized local residents and students from the College of Wildlife Management in Moshi district to assist, according to a statement signed by Paschal Shelutete, TANAPA's public relations manager.
"They are working round the clock to extinguish the fire," said the statement, adding that work is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The fire erupted at Whona, a resting place for climbers of the mountain using the Mandara-Horombo route, said the statement.
The statement said TANAPA has taken all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of tourists climbing and descending the mountain and their tour guides.
"Tourism activities on the mountain continued undisturbed," said the statement.
Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Tanzania's leading tourist destinations, is about 5,895 meters above sea level.
