Traffic on National Road 4 (RN4) was disrupted yesterday near Andranofeno, a locality in the Ankazobe district. Bushfires quickly ignited vegetation along both sides of the road, creating thick smoke that blanketed the route.
“The smoke significantly reduced visibility, forcing us to slow down to avoid accidents. Others chose to stop completely when flames eventually spread to both sides of the road,” a driver reported.
According to law enforcement, traffic was disrupted for about half an hour until the smoke dissipated. Thanks to the mobilization of local residents, the Bushfire Control Committee (KMDT), the National Gendarmerie, and local officials, the fire in Andranofeno Sud, within the Tsaramasoandro commune, was brought under control late in the evening. Strong winds reportedly made firefighting efforts particularly difficult.
Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 10 hectares of vegetation were destroyed, including eucalyptus plantations.
Every year, vegetation along National Road 4 is targeted by these recurring fires. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development is urging road users to exercise extreme caution, reminding them that a single poorly extinguished cigarette butt can trigger an uncontrollable blaze.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-03 06:24:11 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/rn4-des-feux-de-brousse-perturbent-la.html