Namibia has deployed helicopters and hundreds of soldiers to battle a massive wildfire that has devastated nearly a third of Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa’s most iconic nature reserves. Officials said the blaze, which started last Monday at a charcoal production site outside the park, has since swept across vast areas of protected land and surrounding regions.
Etosha National Park is renowned for its vast salt pan, visible from space, and is home to critically endangered species, including black rhinos. The fire has already claimed the lives of at least nine antelope, destroyed key wildlife habitats, and scorched hundreds of thousands of hectares of grazing land along Namibia’s northern border with Angola.
The environment ministry confirmed that the fire spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds. Efforts to contain the blaze include aerial water drops from helicopters and ground operations supported by military units and local volunteers. “This is one of the most destructive fires we have faced in years, and it poses a serious threat to biodiversity and livelihoods,” an official said.
Communities in the surrounding regions are also suffering severe losses of grazing pasture, impacting cattle herders and local economies already struggling with climate change-related challenges. Conservationists warn that continued habitat destruction could have lasting effects on Namibia’s rich wildlife, including elephants, lions, and the vulnerable black rhino population.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid open flames or agricultural burning until conditions improve, while international partners are being approached for additional support in fire management and recovery. The disaster highlights the urgent need for stronger environmental safeguards and coordinated responses to wildfires in southern Africa.
Namibia Deploys Army to Contain Etosha Park Fire
