Namibia contains massive Etosha wildfire that devastated more than one-third of national park: Environment minister

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Namibian Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel said her country contained a massive wildfire that burned through more than one-third of the Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves.

“Most of the fire has been brought under control, there was no visible fire as we flew over, though teams are still working to extinguish small areas that continue to burn,” she told the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Monday night.

Daniel added that firefighters will continue patrolling the area to prevent the fire from igniting, as some places still had fires on and off.

The fire broke out Sept. 22 and spread rapidly across the park, with indications that it originated from charcoal burning on nearby farms.

The extent of damage remains unclear but preliminary reports indicate at least nine antelopes were killed in the park that covers 22,270 square kilometers (8,598 square miles) and home to 114 mammal species, including the endangered black rhino.​​​​​​​

The government deployed 500 soldiers to assist firefighters Sunday, with the flames that had consumed at least 755,163 hectares, or 34% the park.