Wildfire Sweeps Across Mount Hanang in Manyara Region
Manyara. A massive wildfire has engulfed Mount Hanang near Katesh in Manyara Region, sparking concern among local residents who initially feared the blaze might indicate volcanic activity at the summit.
Mount Hanang, located in Hanang District, stands as Tanzania’s fifth-highest peak after Kilimanjaro, Meru, Loolmalasin and Oldonyo L’engai. The mountain rises 3,420 metres above sea level and forms the core of the 5,871-hectare Mount Hanang Forest Reserve neighboring Katesh town.
Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga confirmed the fire was likely caused by human activity, including illegal entry into the forest by individuals cutting trees for firewood and charcoal production.
"Efforts to contain the fire are in progress, but strong winds at times spread the flames," she stated. She noted that beekeeping activities inside the reserve also contribute to increased fire risk.
The Regional Commissioner dismissed speculation of volcanic activity, clarifying that the incident is a bushfire that has destroyed extensive areas of vegetation. She confirmed that experts have been deployed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage.
Local resident Petro Joseph Akko reported that the fire has burned for more than three days and has not been extinguished despite rainfall in parts of the district.
The incident has brought back painful memories of the December 3, 2023 disaster, when a landslide from Mount Hanang destroyed homes downhill and claimed the lives of more than 100 villagers.
Abubakar Mpapa, Conservation Officer for the Mount Hanang Reserve at the Tanzania Forestry Service, acknowledged the significant destruction of plant and animal life caused by the fire.
"We are using every available measure to suppress the fire," he confirmed.
Emmanuel Kibona, Acting Regional Commander of the Manyara Fire and Rescue Brigade, revealed that boy scouts have been mobilized to assist in containing the blaze.
Preliminary assessments by the fire department indicate that more than 170 hectares have already been burned. Authorities reported that response efforts were hampered because the fire ignited in the middle of the night on December 3, 2025.
