Namibia contains massive Etosha Park wildfire after devastating 34 per cent of reserve
The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but preliminary reports indicate that at least nine antelopes were killed.
Namibia has contained a massive wildfire that burned through more than a third of Etosha National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Environment Minister Indileni Daniel said most of the fire has been brought under control, though teams are still working to extinguish small areas that continue to burn.
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"Fire is now contained. There was no visible fire as we flew over, but there are some places that have fires on and off," she told the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
She added that firefighters will continue patrolling the area to prevent the fire from reigniting.
The fire, which broke out on September 22, spread rapidly across the park, with reports suggesting it originated from charcoal burning on nearby farms.
34 per cent park burnt
By Sunday, the Environment ministry estimated that roughly 775,163 hectares—about 34 per cent of the park—had been consumed by flames. To help contain the blaze, the government deployed 500 soldiers alongside firefighters over the weekend.
According to The Guardian, some volunteer groups, including the Namibian Marshall Rangers, reported on Monday that a few fires are still burning and criticised the government for waiting several days before accepting help from citizens and private organisations, with the army joining only on the fourth day.
"Fires in the park are pretty much contained, but not extinguished, and the others running from the park are still out of control. However, there is not much in the park left to burn," the head of the Namibian Marshall Rangers said.
"Why did they take so long to accept our help? [It took them] five days... [and] only on the fourth day was the army deployed."
The full extent of the damage remains unclear, but preliminary reports indicate that at least nine antelopes were killed. Local officials warn that the wildlife death toll may rise after a more comprehensive assessment.
Etosha National Park, located in northern Namibia, covers 22,270 square kilometres and is home to 114 mammal species, including the critically endangered black rhino.
The park's main attraction, the Etosha salt pan, stretches roughly 130 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide. It draws thousands of tourists each year and hosts flocks of migratory flamingoes during the rainy season.
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