Etosha National Park wildfires under control

Wildfires that scorched large areas of Etosha National Park and surrounding regions have been contained, the government has confirmed. The fire, which broke out on 22 September, destroyed nearly a third of the park despite days of firefighting efforts involving volunteers, soldiers, and helicopters.

Authorities estimate that more than 775,000 hectares inside the park and another 171,000 hectares outside its borders were burned. The park, which covers 22,935 square kilometers, is home to 114 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhino. Officials also confirmed the deaths of at least nine antelope, with broader wildlife losses still under assessment.

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare announced on social media that all fires had been contained, though mop-up operations and monitoring continue. He said 10 separate blazes were reported across the region. Troop deployment was staggered, with 49 soldiers sent on Saturday and more than 500 on Sunday, amid criticism that reinforcements came too late.

Environment Minister Indeleni Daniel said the fires likely originated from a charcoal production site outside the park, adding that strong winds and dry conditions had fueled the rapid spread of the flames. Opposition MP Likando Rodrick criticized the government’s response, calling for stronger long-term measures to deal with recurring wildfires.

Fires also spread to grazing land in Oshikoto, Oshana, and Kunene regions, but the presidency confirmed they are now under control. No human casualties have been reported. Officials said aerial photography would be carried out to determine the full extent of the damage, with early estimates suggesting that 30% of the grazing in the park has been destroyed.

Etosha, one of Africa’s largest and most iconic reserves, attracts around 200,000 tourists annually. Known for its vast salt pan visible from space, the park is a critical conservation area and a major driver of Namibia’s tourism economy. Experts note that while wildfires can play a natural role in maintaining savannah ecosystems, the scale of destruction in Etosha poses a significant threat to biodiversity, wildlife, and the livelihoods of surrounding communities.