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Firefighters Contain Blaze Near JKIA Perimeter as Airport Operations Remain Unaffected
A wildfire broke out on a section of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) grassland yesterday, causing concern among travelers and residents.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire spread rapidly towards 75 Airport North Road. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed the incident but reassured the public that the fire did not affect any critical infrastructure. Emergency response teams, including fire engines and police officers, were swiftly deployed to the scene to contain the flames and prevent further spread.
KAA reported that firefighters from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the Nairobi County Fire Department, and the KAA Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service collaborated in the firefighting efforts. Despite the intensity of the fire, normal airport operations, including landings and takeoffs, remained uninterrupted. “All airport activities, including flight schedules, passenger processing, and cargo handling, remained fully operational and unaffected,” KAA stated in an official release.
The cause of the fire had yet to be determined, but concerned citizens urged authorities to act swiftly to extinguish the inferno. The fire occurred coincidentally just a day after JKIA was honored with a prestigious global award, being named the African Cargo Airport of the Year at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo.
In a statement following the award, KAA emphasized the significance of the recognition, acknowledging JKIA’s crucial role in advancing trade and logistics across Africa. “Big win for Kenya! Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been crowned African Cargo Airport of the Year at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo!” the statement read. KAA further noted that the award underscored JKIA’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvements in cargo-handling capabilities.
The award was received by Dr. Rose Koros, General Manager of JKIA, along with Jacob Bwana, Manager of Cargo, and Debra Ondaba, Manager of Product & Brand. The recognition reinforced JKIA’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa, particularly in the cargo-handling sector.
Following the fire outbreak, KAA sought to reassure the public that no critical infrastructure or operational areas had been compromised. “KAA assures the public that the fire was confined to non-operational grassland areas and did not impact any critical infrastructure or operational zones of JKIA,” the authority reiterated in a statement.
Eyewitness reports indicated that the fire broke out around 7 p.m., quickly spreading across dry grasslands adjacent to the airport’s perimeter. The fast-moving blaze destroyed hundreds of acres along the airport fence. Despite the looming threat, air traffic remained steady, with flights continuing to land and depart from the busy international airport.
As the fire raged on, large crowds gathered along Airport North Road, watching the dramatic scene unfold and capturing videos on their mobile phones. The sight of thick smoke billowing into the evening sky heightened concerns, but the swift response from emergency teams helped contain the situation.
A coordinated response effort was mounted by KAA Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, the KDF, and the Nairobi County Fire Unit. Their combined efforts played a critical role in bringing the fire under control and preventing it from spreading to operational areas of the airport.
Kenya Red Cross confirmed the incident and dispatched an emergency team to assist in containing the blaze. “Emergency response teams were on-site battling a grassland fire inside JKIA, along Airport North Road, Nairobi County. Efforts were underway to contain the blaze and prevent further spread,” the organization stated.
KAA, an autonomous body established in 1991 through an Act of Parliament, oversees the management of Kenya’s airport network, which includes four international airports, four domestic airports, and several airstrips. The authority reiterated that safety and operational efficiency remain their top priorities.
KAA assured the public that further updates would be provided as more details emerged. The incident, though alarming, did not disrupt airport services, demonstrating the efficiency of JKIA’s emergency response mechanisms.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire, with more information expected in the coming days.