Fire lit to warm food for tourists may have sparked large blaze on slopes of Kilimanjaro

A fire lit to warm food for tourist may have sparked a large blaze on the slopes of Africa’s tallest peak, Kilimanjaro.

Tanzanian authorities said 500 volunteers had been battling to put out the flames, which could be seen from miles away.

The altitude of the fire, dry weather and strong winds made it difficult to contain. However, authorities have said the winds have now settled.

Pascal Shelutete, of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), said: ”It seems the fire that was lit to prepare food for the tourists torched the dry vegetation in the area and spread quickly."

Speak to local newspaper Mwananchi, Mr Shelutete confirmed the blaze has since been brought under control.

“We are ensuring that climbing activities are not affected,” he added.

Mount Kilimanjaro, which is popular with hikers and climbers, is the highest single free-standing mountain in the world, with a height of 19,443 feet.

An estimated 50,000 tourists climb the mountain annually.