Gatundu North residents have been warned against setting forests on fire as the effects had both short and long-term devastating impact on people's lives.
Sub county Environment Officer Beatrice Mueni speaking in Kamwangi town on Friday said beliefs that forest fires attracts rain were myths that were out dated and should hence be abandoned.
"The myths about fire attracting rains in our forests are not true. How can fire attract rain?’ she questioned.
She urged the residents to learn from the havoc caused by flash floods as a result of destruction of forest cover in various parts of the country.
"You should learn from counties that experienced massive flashy floods that cost lives. Let us be responsible enough with our environment," she urged residents.
"Am urging residents to desist from burning our forests and report to the authorities individuals behind the hideous activities," she said.
"Wanton felling of trees in the hilly part of Kieni forest which is our area adversely affected the rain distribution pattern in our sub county last year," she observed. Most parts of Kieni forest received a minimum of 7 unit’s rain. This I think was as a result of tree defaulters who mercilessly destroy our forest to enrich themselves. We are on the lookout,’ she noted.
Mueni called on the county government to come up with programmes that will encourage individuals to grow trees in their farms.