The news from Namibia is cautiously optimistic: a massive wildfire, which had been tearing through more than a third of the country’s most celebrated national park, Etosha, has now been successfully contained. This announcement came directly from Environment Minister Indileni Daniel on Monday, during a broadcast on the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation.
The fierce blaze, affecting one of Africa’s largest game reserves, began on September 22nd. Fueled by strong winds and extremely dry vegetation, the fire spread with alarming speed. The severity of the situation necessitated the deployment of 500 soldiers on Sunday to assist in the containment efforts. Authorities believe the fire originated at a charcoal production site.
“The fire is now contained,” Minister Daniel stated, offering a sense of relief. She added, “There was no visible fire as we flew over, but there are some places that have got fires on and off.”
The full extent of the damage, including the total number of animals lost, is still being assessed. Earlier reports from the environment ministry indicated that at least nine antelopes perished in the inferno, with the prime minister confirming the death of an elephant as well. As of Sunday, a staggering 775,163 hectares (equivalent to 1.9 million acres) – roughly 34 percent of the entire park – had been scorched by the flames.
Situated in the northern part of Namibia, a largely arid nation, Etosha National Park is a critical habitat for 114 mammal species. This includes the critically endangered black rhinoceros, making the park a vital conservation area and a significant draw for tourists.
Despite the containment, vigilance remains high. Firefighters will stay stationed in the affected region to swiftly address any potential flare-ups. “We have noticed some new fires at one spot only, the team has been already dispatched,” Daniel confirmed.
The park itself is vast, spanning approximately 22,270 square kilometers (8,600 square miles). A defining natural wonder within Etosha is its ancient salt pan, an enormous expanse roughly 130 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide. During the rainy season, this salt pan becomes a vibrant spectacle, attracting immense flocks of migratory flamingos.