A major bush fire broke out in the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim wildlife reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Chad. Alerted last Saturday, rescue teams from the NGO Sahara Conservation had to travel 18 kilometers on foot to reach the heart of the fire and try to contain it, Sahara Conservation reported on Twitter this Monday, October 14.
A race against time
The flames, fanned by violent winds and drought, quickly gained ground, endangering unique biodiversity. Faced with this threat, the prefect of Al-Biher immediately triggered the emergency plan and mobilized teams of firefighters as well as volunteers to fight the fire.
A collective effort
For more than 12 hours, crews worked tirelessly to create firebreaks and try to control the flames. Armed with simple tools, they traveled miles on foot in difficult conditions to protect this invaluable nature reserve.
The causes of the fire
The exact causes of this fire are still unknown, but bushfires are common in the region, often sparked by human negligence or extreme weather conditions.
The consequences of the fire
The consequences of this fire could be disastrous for the biodiversity of the reserve. Many animal and plant species risk being affected or even disappearing. Bushfires also contribute to land degradation and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Call for vigilance
The authorities are calling on the population to be extremely vigilant and to respect fire safety rules, in particular by avoiding throwing cigarette butts or lighting fires near wooded areas.
A general mobilization
This tragic event reminds us of the importance of protecting our environment and preserving biodiversity. It is essential to strengthen the means of fighting bush fires and to raise awareness among populations of the challenges of nature conservation.
