Nine firefighters and experts, led by Ethiopia-born Zion Shenkar, sent after local government says it cannot control flames in rugged Simien Mountains, near Gondar
(The Times of Israel)–Israel was set Saturday to dispatch a team of firefighters to help squelch a blaze raging in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains range.
The delegation consists of nine firefighters and rescue officials, including an expert in aerial firefighting, according to Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service.
It is being led by Zion Shenkar, who was born in Ethiopia and was the Israel Defense Force’s first-ever battalion commander from the Ethiopian community.
The Simien Mountains fire has been burning for several days, and is the second major fire to strike the lush highlands in the country’s north in two weeks.
The mountains are near the city of Gondar, home to most of Ethiopia’s remaining Jewish community.
The fire has proved difficult to extinguish because of the rugged terrain, threatening wildlife and nature, according to local reports.
The Simien Mountains National Park, a popular tourist destination, is home to the rare Waliya ibex and Gelada baboon.
Park administrator Abebaw Azanew said the fire was moving quickly and swiftly engulfing grasslands, according to the 7d news website.
The wildfire which broke out on March 28th was started by individuals, according to an official from the Ethiopian Wild Lives Conservation Authority. It destroyed 342 hectares of forest in the park. The fire was brought under control with the involvement of residents of nearby Debark town, university students and members of tourist associations.
The current blaze has continued to ravage more forest resources of the UNESCO registered national park, which is a habitat of the Waliya Ibex, the Ethiopian wolf and the Gelada baboon, animals endemic to the country.
The wildfire, which broke out in the Gech and Deromender areas, is spreading fast, ravaging vegetation, mainly grass land, park administrator Abebaw Azanew told reporters.
According to the park administrator, security personnel and local militiamen are working to bring the fire under control.
The world heritage park in northern Ethiopia is known for its rugged terrain, which has escarpments, deep valleys and a high plateau.
Sources: The Times of Israel & 7D News