Fire in Namibia's Etosha National Park Prompts Military Response

Sun Oct 12 2025 11:22:08 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Namibia deploys troops and helicopters to combat a raging fire in the Etosha National Park, threatening wildlife and habitats in one of Africa's premier tourist destinations.

The Namibian government has dispatched hundreds of soldiers and helicopters to extinguish a devastating fire that has spread across one-third of Etosha National Park, endangering its unique wildlife, including critically endangered black rhinos. Authorities believe the wildfire originated from a charcoal production site outside the park. This emergency response comes after criticism regarding the government's preparedness for such disasters.

Namibia is sending in helicopters and hundreds of soldiers to combat a fire that has ravaged a third of the Etosha National Park, one of southern Africa's key nature reserves.

Known for its vast salt pan visible from space and as a habitat for critically endangered black rhinos, the park has suffered severely with reports of at least nine antelope killed and extensive wildlife habitat destroyed.

Officials believe the fire began on Monday at a charcoal production site located outside the park's boundaries. Almost a week later, it has spread into the park, with continuous damage to grazing areas in adjacent Omusati and Oshana regions, bordering Angola.

Opposition MP Likando Rodrick criticized the government for its lack of preparedness and urged for improved long-term strategies to tackle such environmental crises. Following community concerns, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare announced the deployment of an additional 500 troops alongside firefighters, police, and volunteers working on the ground.

Covering approximately 22,935 square kilometers (8,855 square miles), Etosha National Park attracts over 200,000 tourists each year and supports a diverse range of wildlife, including 114 mammal species.

Experts note that while occasional wildfires are natural and can be vital for ecosystem health in arid regions, they require careful management to mitigate adverse effects.