Etosha fires scorch 16% of park this season

Veld fires have affected 16% of Etosha National Park this season, with nearly 80 staff battling active blazes as temperatures of up to 45°C and strong winds threaten to reignite flames.

Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism show that 3 513 square kilometres of the park have been affected by fires this season, including 926 square kilometres burnt in October alone.

The October damage accounts for 4% of the park, following 2 587 square kilometres, or 12%, affected in September.

Last year, fires affected 37% of Etosha.

The ministry has been battling fires in various parts of the park since Tuesday, 20 October, with support from the Namibia Defence Force (NDF), neighbouring conservancies and staff from surrounding farms.

Flair-up risk

Some fires have been extinguished in Halali, Rhino Drive, Rietfontein, //Khurus, Charachas and Harib.

However, active fires remain in Gemsbokvlakte, along the southern boundary and at Aus-Homob, where the fire has been partly contained.

The ministry warned that wind speeds of 20km/h and temperatures reaching 45°C recorded in the park on Saturday could cause active fires to flare up.

All areas with fully or partially active fires are being attended to as firefighting teams work to contain the remaining blazes.

Etosha deputy director Naambo Iipinge has urged visitors, residents and staff to follow safety instructions to reduce the risk of further fires and protect people and wildlife.

Visitors have been advised to observe road closures, avoid driving through smoke, keep a safe distance from active fires and refrain from lighting fires or smoking in the park.

As of Saturday, 24 October, no human or wildlife casualties had been reported.

The ministry has called on the public to follow instructions from park staff and cooperate with firefighting teams to prevent new fires and limit the spread of existing ones.

The efforts are aimed at safeguarding Etosha's environment, wildlife and human lives as crews continue working to bring the active fires under control.

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