Namibia Deploys Hundreds of Soldiers to Battle Devastating Wildfire Ravaging Etosha National Park
Windhoek – Namibia has sent hundreds of soldiers to fight a massive wildfire that has already scorched a third of Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s biggest game reserves and a key spot for tourists. The blaze, which started on 22 September 2025, has caused huge damage to the environment and killed at least nine antelopes, with fears the full loss to wildlife could be much higher. After an urgent cabinet meeting on Saturday, the government ordered 500 extra troops to join the fight from Sunday, working with police, locals, and firefighters already on the ground. Defence Minister Frans Kapofi told reporters the soldiers are coming from different regions to cover all affected areas. As the fire rages on, it threatens the park’s rich wildlife, including the critically endangered black rhinoceros, and could hurt Namibia’s tourism industry.
The park, in the north of this mostly desert country, covers 22,270 square kilometres and draws visitors from around the world to see its animals and the famous Etosha salt pan. Officials believe the fire started from charcoal making on farms next to the park, spreading quickly through dry grass and bush.
Extent of the Damage: Over 775,000 Hectares Burned
The wildfire has burned through about 775,163 hectares inside the park, which is around 34 percent of its total area. Outside the park, another 171,098 hectares of grazing land and community areas in the Omusati and Oshana regions have been hit. The ministry of environment, forestry, and tourism says the damage to nature is huge, with trees, plants, and animal homes destroyed. At least nine antelopes have died, and rescuers saved a pangolin, but the full count of lost animals is not known yet.
Etosha is home to 114 kinds of mammals, 340 bird species, and many reptiles, making it a vital place for conservation. The black rhino, one of the world’s most endangered animals, lives there, along with elephants, lions, and giraffes. The salt pan, about 130 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide, draws big flocks of flamingos in the wet season, adding to the park’s beauty. Experts worry the fire could hurt these animals by destroying food and water sources.
Government Response: Troops Mobilised to Contain the Blaze
After the emergency meeting, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare’s office announced the extra 500 soldiers on Facebook. Kapofi said: “The order was given that the troops must be deployed, and if all are not on the ground yet, they will be there soon. They are deployed from various regions and will be deployed to all affected areas.”
Teams have been fighting the fire since it started, but strong winds and dry weather have made it hard to control. The army’s help is seen as a key step to stop it from spreading more. No people have been hurt, but the focus is on saving the park and nearby farms.
Broader Impacts: Tourism and Conservation at Risk
Etosha is a big draw for tourists, bringing in money for Namibia through game drives, lodges, and wildlife viewing. The fire could scare away visitors and hurt local jobs in hotels and guiding. Conservation groups worry about long-term effects on the ecosystem, as fires like this can change habitats for years.
Namibia has used controlled burns in the past to manage fires in Etosha, but this uncontrolled one shows the risks from human activities like charcoal making. The ministry is calling for better rules on farms near the park to prevent future fires.
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