Traffic on National Road 4 (RN4) was disrupted at Andranofeno, a locality in Ankazobe district, yesterday. Bushfires rapidly engulfed vegetation along both sides of the road. These fires generated thick smoke across the roadway. "The smoke severely reduced visibility, forcing us to slow down to avoid accidents. Some drivers preferred to stop completely when flames began shooting up on both sides of the road," one driver testified.
According to law enforcement, traffic was disrupted for approximately half an hour until the smoke cleared and road users could safely resume their journey. Thanks to mobilization by the local population, the Bushfire Control Committee (KMDT), the National Gendarmerie, and various local officials, the fire that occurred in Andranofeno Sud in Tsaramasoandro commune was brought under control late in the evening, according to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Strong winds made extinguishing the fire particularly difficult.
Based on preliminary assessments, approximately 10 hectares of vegetation were destroyed, including eucalyptus plantations. Each year, vegetation along National Road 4 becomes the target of recurring fires. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development urges users of this route to exercise extreme caution, reminding them that a single poorly extinguished cigarette butt can trigger an uncontrollable fire.