Security forces, firefighters and local residents are working to contain the blaze in Sanaag, but difficult mountain terrain continues to hamper operations.
ERIGAVO, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland security forces have joined firefighters and local communities in efforts to contain a major wildfire spreading across Daalo Mountain and surrounding areas in the Sanaag region.
The fire has destroyed more than 200 farms, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, raising concerns about the impact on farming families, local livelihoods and the region’s environment.
The blaze began in the mountainous highlands near Erigavo. It has since spread across surrounding areas, threatening agricultural land, vegetation and wildlife.
Authorities are coordinating emergency operations as the fire continues to challenge firefighting teams.
Difficult Terrain Hampers Firefighting Operations
The Somaliland Fire and Rescue Unit in Erigavo says its teams are working to extinguish the wildfire in the highlands between Xero Mooli and Xidhi Xidh.
However, the location of the fire has made the operation particularly difficult.
The affected areas include steep slopes and rugged mountain terrain. As a result, firefighting vehicles cannot easily reach several locations where flames continue to spread.
The Fire and Rescue Unit says wildfires in mountainous areas of this scale often require aerial support, including helicopters, to reach inaccessible locations.
Nevertheless, firefighters continue to work with regional and district authorities, security forces and residents to contain the blaze.
The department has also warned that deploying all available fire engines may not be enough to control a wildfire in such difficult terrain.
More Than 200 Farms Destroyed
The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that the fire has destroyed more than 200 farms.
The damage has raised concerns among farming communities that depend on agricultural production for their livelihoods.
The destruction of farmland could also affect local food production and household incomes, particularly if the fire continues to spread.
In addition, the wildfire threatens the natural vegetation and wildlife that make Daalo Mountain an important environmental area.
Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the destruction. However, the final damage assessment may take time because some affected locations remain difficult to access.
Security Forces and Communities Join the Response
Several branches of Somaliland’s security forces have joined the emergency response alongside the Fire and Rescue Unit.
Regional and district authorities are also coordinating with local communities to support firefighting operations.
Residents have joined efforts to prevent the flames from spreading into additional settlements and agricultural areas.
Despite these combined efforts, the lack of easy access to the mountain slopes remains a major obstacle.
The Fire and Rescue Unit has called for public cooperation and support as emergency teams continue their work.
Urgent Support Needed to Protect Daalo Mountain
The wildfire has highlighted the challenges of responding to major environmental emergencies in remote and mountainous areas.
The scale of the destruction has also raised questions about the resources available to Somaliland’s emergency services, particularly their capacity to respond to wildfires in locations that ground vehicles cannot reach.
Aerial firefighting equipment, including helicopters, could help teams access difficult areas and respond more quickly to spreading flames.
Meanwhile, authorities and local communities continue to work to bring the fire under control and prevent further damage.
The immediate priority remains protecting residents, agricultural land, wildlife and the wider Daalo Mountain environment.
HornPost Staff Reporter
