Namibian Army Deployed to Combat Devastating Wildfire in Etosha National Park
ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK, NAMIBIA – More than 500 troops have been dispatched to assist firefighters, police, and volunteers battling a large-scale wildfire that has consumed approximately a third of Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. The deployment, authorized following an emergency meeting on Saturday, comes almost a week after the fire initially broke out on Monday at a charcoal production site outside the park’s borders.
The blaze has spread rapidly, fueled by “strong winds and dry vegetation,” according to officials. At least nine antelope have been confirmed dead, and hundreds of thousands of hectares of grazing pasture in regions bordering Angola have been destroyed. Fires have also spread to grazing land in Oshikoto, Oshana and Kunene regions, though the presidency announced late Sunday these fires are now under control.
Etosha National Park, covering 22,935 sq km (8,855 sq miles), is home to critically endangered black rhinos and boasts 114 mammal species, attracting approximately 200,000 tourists annually. While wildfires are a natural occurrence in arid savannah ecosystems and can be beneficial when managed, experts emphasize the importance of close monitoring and control.
the fire poses a “significant threat to the biodiversity,wildlife and livelihood of the communities in the affected areas,” a presidential statement read. No human casualties have been reported. The full extent of the damage will be assessed once aerial photographs are completed.
Opposition MP Likando Rodrick has criticized the government’s response, stating it should have been better prepared to contain the fire and urging increased long-term response measures. Approximately 30% of the grazing land within the Park has been destroyed.
