Namibia’s renowned Etosha National Park, a critical sanctuary for wildlife and a major tourist destination, has successfully brought a devastating wildfire under control. The massive blaze, which ignited on September 22nd, had scorched through more than a third of the park, posing a significant threat to its diverse ecosystems.
The Environment Minister, Indileni Daniel, confirmed on Monday that the fire is now contained. Its rapid spread was fueled by strong winds and the park’s parched vegetation, necessitating the deployment of 500 soldiers on Sunday to aid in firefighting efforts. Initial investigations suggest the fire originated from a charcoal production site.
Minister Daniel noted during an aerial assessment that while no active fires were visible, isolated flare-ups were still occurring, prompting the dispatch of teams to manage them. The full extent of the damage to the park’s fragile environment and the total number of animal casualties remain under assessment.
Previously, the environment ministry reported the loss of at least nine antelopes, and the prime minister confirmed the death of one elephant. By Sunday, approximately 775,163 hectares (1.9 million acres), representing roughly 34 percent of the park’s total area, had been consumed by the flames.
Etosha National Park, spanning 22,270 square kilometers (8,600 square miles) in northern Namibia, is a vital habitat for 114 mammal species, notably including the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Its ancient salt pan, stretching 130 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide, is also a magnet for large flocks of migratory flamingos during the wet season. Firefighting teams will continue to monitor the area closely to prevent any further re-ignitions.