Namibia's Army Mobilizes to Combat Wildfire in Etosha National Park

Sun Oct 12 2025 02:20:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to a devastating wildfire threatening Namibia's Etosha National Park, military helicopters and hundreds of soldiers have been deployed to contain the flames, which have already scorched a significant portion of the park and affected local wildlife.

The Namibian government has mobilized forces to combat a rapidly spreading wildfire within Etosha National Park, a vital nature reserve known for its wildlife. The fire has claimed the lives of several animals and prompted criticism regarding the government's preparedness. As military personnel join firefighters and volunteers, concerns grow over the long-term impact on the park's ecosystem.

The government of Namibia has dispatched helicopters and hundreds of soldiers to combat a devastating wildfire ravaging a third of Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa's premier tourist destinations known for its striking salt pan visible from space and inhabited by critically endangered black rhinos.

The outbreak, believed to have begun from a charcoal production facility outside the park's borders earlier this week, has spread rapidly and already resulted in the loss of at least nine antelope while devastating wildlife habitats and grazing areas in the bordering Omusati and Oshana regions.

In light of the escalating situation, opposition MP Likando Rodrick publicly criticized the government for their unpreparedness. He urged stronger long-term strategies to prevent such occurrences in the future. Following an emergency meeting, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare announced that an additional 500 troops would be deployed to support existing firefighters, police, and volunteers engaged in the containment efforts.

Situated over 22,935 square kilometers (8,855 square miles), Etosha National Park attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually and is home to a diverse population of 114 mammal species and various migratory birds, including flamingos. While experts recognize that wildfires can play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health, they stress the importance of effective management.