A PROPOSAL TOPIC ABOUT MANAGING FIRE OUTBREAK AROUND AMALEMBA

AREA.

FAITH TIREN

JOY NKIROTE

BRIAN KIBIBA

ALEXANDRIA EWAAR
A
CYNTHIA LUCUS

PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT STUDIES FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT IN THE AWARD OF
DIPLOMA IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE OF
MASINDE MULIRO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

MARCH,2024

DECLARATION
This research is our original copy and to the best of our knowledge it has not been presented for
examination of diploma in any institution or university.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 We would like to give thanks to the almighty and family members who have been with us
through our journey of success, without forgetting our Mr. Moses wamukota for his guidance in
writing the proposal.

We also extended our heartfelt appreciation to the valuable members of our group for their
dedication and hard work in every endeavour. There contribution have played a significant role
in our success.

Without forgetting our respected elders of amalemba area for the wisdoms and cooperation
with chief of the area .your presence has been a source of inspiration for us by taking us to
success in our study

ABSTRACT
Fire has been quite critical in the daily life of mankind from time immemorial. Traditionally fire
was used in landscape modification such as coppicing basket materials, clearing bush for ease
of travel and hunting, removing thatch in late fall to promote wildflower seeds, clearing ground
for food gathering as well as general burning to revitalize plant communities for greater
abundance. Fire has also been previously used for cooking, steam bending wood, hunting,
smoking hides and meat to preserve, softening tar and pitch for adhesive, heat treating stones
for tools, wood working, charcoal burning, charring to preserve house posts from insects and
rot, smudge fires to repel mosquitoes, fire to repel predators, heating shelters, lighting,
smoking tobacco and medicines, cauterizing wounds, communication signaling, steaming and
during ceremonies. Fire is today considered as being a significant tool for humans by playing
the most important roles in daily lives including heating, lighting, cooking, energy,
blacksmithing and landscaping.Kenya as a developing country is characterized by increasing
industrial and urban growth leading to greater use of materials and energy. These industrial
products trigger fires through scientific processes hence triggering fire cases. Several cases of
fires have occurred with mostly destruction of property and loss of lives beingreported. Urban
disasters especially fires have tended to receive a baffling lack of response from aid agencies
indicating major gaps in urban preparedness. This shows Kenya is faced with inadequacy in
responding to fire disasters of high magnitude. Rescue teams have failed in many of this
occasions to live up to their billing by either arriving late at tragedy struck scenes or making it
on time but half equipped hence failing to counter the tragedy. In chapter one,
introduction ,the background of the study explains the how fire started in Kenya , western
Kenya , kakamega county and later amalemba area , statement objective , research objectives
and research question are entailed in chapter one. Chapter two entails literature review and
chapter three entails the research methodology.

KEY TERMS
LIST OF ACRONYMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 CHAPTER ONE.

1.0INTRODUCTION.
1.1BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY.

Fire is the visible effect of a chemical reaction known as combustion. It occurs when oxygen in
the air reacts with some form of fuel. A fire outbreak can be a devastating event, posing risks to
life, property, and the environment. Managing of fire outbreak is the process of coming up with
appropriate procedure to prevent the spread of fire from spreading and to help the vulnerable .

Kenya, like many other regions, faces the challenge of managing fire outbreaks effectively. In
Western Kenya, Kakamega County, and particularly the Amalemba area, this issue is of critical
importance due to the unique ecological context and human activities.Kakamega Forest: One of
the last remaining tropical rainforests in Kenya, Kakamega Forest is rich in biodiversity. It hosts
various plant and animal species, some of which are endemic. However, the dense vegetation
and high humidity make it susceptible to fires.

Amalemba Area,Located within Kakamega County is characterized by a mix of agricultural land,

grasslands, and forest patches. The proximity of human settlements to natural habitats
increases the risk of fire incidents.Amalemba, located in Kakamega County, Kenya, experiences
frequent fire outbreaks that cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, and the
environment. These fires can be attributed to various factors, including:

Agricultural burning: Farmers often use burning as a land management practice, which can
easily get out of control.

Uncontrolled domestic fires: Improper disposal of cooking materials and unattended fires can
lead to accidental outbreaks.

Arson: Deliberate fire setting for malicious purposes is also a concern.

Some causes of fire such as human activities can pose danger such as uncontrolled burning of
agricultural fields, discarded cigarette butts, and open flames during cooking or religious rituals
also dry seasons, coupled with strong winds, elevate the risk of fire spread. Lightning strikes can
also ignite fires.
Some challenges are faced during the managing of fire outbreak such as Limited Resources in
Kakamega County constraints in terms of firefighting equipment, trained personnel, and
infrastructure,raising awareness about fire prevention and safe practices might be lacked by the
residents ,effective fire management requires collaboration among government agencies, local
communities, and NGOs. Ensuring seamless coordination remains a challenge.

Some mitigation strategies such as early detection community involvement, firebreak and
control burns, education programs can be put in place for future reference

Recent Incidents:

In September 2023, a fire broke out at Shanderema Boys Secondary School in Kakamega
County, gutting a dormitory while students were in class. Sixty-eight students were displaced.

Kakamega High School also faced fire incidents, leading to the closure of the school.
Investigations into the causes and preventive measures are ongoing.

In conclusion, proactive fire management strategies, community involvement, and improved

resources are vital for safeguarding lives, ecosystems, and property in Western Kenya,
Kakamega County, and the Amalemba area.
1.2STATEMENT PROBLEM

Amalemba, located in Kakamega County, Kenya, experiences frequent fire outbreaks that cause
significant damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment. These fires can be
attributed to various factors, including:

Agricultural burning: Farmers often use burning as a land management practice, which can
easily get out of control.

Uncontrolled domestic fires: Improper disposal of cooking materials and unattended fires can
lead to accidental outbreaks.

Arson: Deliberate fire setting for malicious purposes is also a concern.

1.3 RESERCH OBJECTIVE

1.3.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The main objective aims on how to manage fire outbreak around amalemba area ,Kakamega
county.

1.3.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The specific objective of the study will be:

 To identify causes of fire outbreak in amalemba area

 To identify Factors promoting fire outbreak in amalemba area
 To assess the existing fire safety measures and their effectivenes in amalemba area

1.4 Research question

 what are the causes of fire outbreak in amalemba area?
 what are the factors promoting fire outbreak around amalemba area?
 How can the assessment of fire safety measures and their effectivenes be done?
CHAPTER TWO .

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1CAUSES OF FIRE OUTBREAK .