EDIS Number: WF-20120129-33951-UGA
Date / time: 29/01/2012 05:08:34 [UTC]
Event: Forest / Wild Fire
Area: Africa
Country: Uganda
State/County: Western Uganda
Location: [Hoima district]
Number of Deads: N/A
Number of Injured: N/A
Number of Infected: N/A
Number of Missing: N/A
Number of Affected: N/A
Number of Evacuated: N/A
Damage level: Heavy

Description:

More than eleven central forest reserves in Hoima district are under threat of deforestation as wild fires continue to rake havoc. Over 300 acres of Bujaawe Forest Reserve was this week razed by fire. The Acting Hoima District National Forestry Authority (NFA) sector manager, Mr Richard Senturo, said fire gutted the tree plantation on Tuesday. The burnt trees belong to private forest developers who were given leases ranging from 25 to 49 years to grow trees in the forest reserves. The developers are required to engage in activities that promote sustainable environmental conservation. However, the tree developers continue to suffer huge loses especially during dry seasons as their plantations are destroyed by fire. Mr Senturo estimated the destroyed trees to be worth Shs1.5 billion. The private forest developers reported the case to Hoima police station. The fire bridge rushed to the forest and was able to extinguish the fire. Security officials are investigating allegations of arson.