Etosha fires: Nearly 35% of park engulfed

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has confirmed that the devastating veldfire in Etosha National Park has burnt an estimated 775,163 hectares – around 34 percent of the park – in six days.“Outside the park, 171,098 hectares of land were affected, including 156,315 hectares north of the park in the Omusati and Oshana regions, and 14,783 hectares to the south,” the ministry said in a statement.The fire, which is believed to have started last Monday evening at the resettlement farm Helaas due to charcoal burning, has since spread to the western, central and southern parts of the park.“The worst-affected areas include Dolomite (north and south), Okatutu, Renostervlei, Jakkalswater, Halali, and the area between Olifantsbad and Halali. The fire has also spread beyond the park northwards into parts of Omusati and Oshana regions, reaching the settlements of Omutambo-gomawe, Okambango, Okerine, Onghunya, Osagalwa, Omalika and Ovenduka.”According to environment minister Indileni Daniel, at least nine dead antelopes have been spotted in the affected areas, while a pangolin was successfully rescued.Meanwhile, the Office of the Prime Minister said on Saturday that the ministry of defence and veterans affairs deployed two Namibian Defence Force (NDF) helicopters and an additional 49 soldiers, with another 500 soldiers expected to arrive at the flagship park yesterday.Daniel said around 60 MEFT staff and more than 20 neighbouring farmers and community members are currently on the ground.This comes after farmers on Friday received official permission letters to enter the park and help fight the fire. In the meantime, heavy criticism has been levelled, with calls for heads to roll because too little, too late was done by park authorities to prevent the fire from spreading.“Firefighting teams from Outapi, Tsandi, Engombe and Ongwediva have been deployed, together with NDF members from Oshakati and regional council teams. Community members are actively involved in Okakango, Amarika, Ovenduka and Onkani,” the minister said.As reinforcements, a water tanker and two NDF helicopters were deployed from Saturday to further strengthen firefighting operations.“Currently, two fire trucks, six firefighting vehicles, five fire beaters, two Land Cruisers with water tanks and one water truck from the Oshana Regional Council are in use.“The ministry sincerely appreciates contributions from the private sector, which provided both manpower and firefighting equipment to support operations inside Etosha National Park. Their timely assistance was crucial in bolstering containment efforts,” Daniel said.“Strong winds and dry vegetation are causing the fire to spread rapidly. The veldfire crisis in Etosha National Park and surrounding areas poses a significant threat to Namibia’s biodiversity, local livelihoods and critical infrastructure. MEFT, together with all partners, remains committed to reducing the impact of these fires.”The ministry has warned all tourists, visitors and communities in or near affected areas to exercise extreme caution. People are urged not to drive into or attempt to cross areas where veldfires are active.“Fires spread quickly and can suddenly change direction due to strong winds, putting lives at serious risk. Everyone is therefore advised to follow the instructions of park authorities, law enforcement and firefighting teams,” the minister cautioned.The ministry said it will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and urged the public to remain vigilant, practice responsible fire use and work alongside firefighting teams in affected areas.

Etosha fires: Nearly 35% of park engulfed

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-17

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Etosha fires: Nearly 35% of park engulfed

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-17

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