A massive wildfire that erupted in the southern stretch of the Dziko area on Wednesday morning has rapidly spread across surrounding hills, engulfing large tracts of land and triggering serious safety concerns. The blaze has also affected parts of the Dzukou Valley region, forcing trekkers to evacuate and prompting authorities to suspend trekking activities.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, officials said the scale and pattern of the blaze suggest possible human involvement. Prolonged dry weather conditions have further intensified the fire, making containment operations extremely difficult.
Personnel from the Fire Brigade, Police Department, and Forest Department, along with local volunteers, rushed to the affected areas and are continuing efforts to control the flames. Despite these measures, authorities said the wildfire has already destroyed vast stretches of forest and remains active.
In view of the worsening situation, the Song Song Youth and Students’ Organisation (SSYSO) has announced an immediate and complete ban on trekking to Dziko and Mount Esii. According to SSYSO, the fire has spread across the Mt. Esii and Khongho ranges, posing a grave threat to public safety.
The organisation has issued a public advisory urging people to avoid the affected zones and strictly adhere to safety instructions. Further updates will be shared as the situation evolves, SSYSO said.
Authorities have also appealed to residents and visitors to stay away from the wildfire-hit areas until conditions improve, stressing that safety remains the top priority.
