Nairobi, Kenya — A wildfire broke out on the grasslands surrounding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday evening, sending thick plumes of smoke into the night sky and prompting swift action from emergency services.

The blaze, which erupted near 75 Airport North Road, quickly spread across the dry grasslands, raising concerns about potential risks to airport operations. However, authorities confirmed that flight schedules remained unaffected.

Fire engines and police units arrived promptly at the scene, coordinating efforts to control the fire and prevent it from spreading further. According to the Kenya Red Cross, the fire rapidly expanded towards the Embakasi area, engulfing a significant section of the grassland.

“Part of the JKIA airport towards 75 Airport North is on fire. Fire engines and the police are on the scene,” the Kenya Red Cross reported in a public statement.

Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic scene, showing flames lighting up the night sky and thick clouds of smoke visible from a distance. Police have cordoned off the affected area to ensure public safety as firefighters work to extinguish the blaze.

A representative from JKIA, while confirming the fire, downplayed its severity. “It’s a small fire on dry grass, but I can’t provide more details as I’m not on the ground,” the official stated.

Preliminary speculations suggest that the fire may have been ignited by a discarded cigarette butt, though dry conditions and strong winds likely contributed to the rapid spread. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.

Despite the intensity of the blaze, emergency services have managed to contain its spread, ensuring that airport operations continue uninterrupted.

The incident highlights the recurring risks posed by dry seasons and human negligence around critical infrastructure. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and avoid actions that could trigger similar incidents.