Namibia contains massive wildfire in Etosha National Park
Namibia has contained a massive wildfire in Etosha National Park that burned more than one-third of its area and killed at least nine antelopes. Authorities suspect charcoal production near the park sparked the blaze, while officials warn hotspots could reignite.
- A wildfire burned through over one-third of Etosha National Park, covering more than 755,000 hectares.
- Preliminary reports confirm nine antelope deaths, one pangolin rescue, and an unverified elephant fatality.
- Authorities suspect nearby charcoal production caused the blaze; hotspots remain a risk.
A massive wildfire that broke out in Etosha National Park on 22 September has been contained after burning through more than one-third of the reserve, according to Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
Officials suspect that charcoal production near the park, which spans 22,270 square kilometres and is home to 114 mammal species, may have sparked the fire.
Government response and firefighting efforts
Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel announced on 30 September 2025 that the blaze was brought under control but warned that hotspots remained active. Firefighters will continue patrolling the park to prevent reignition.
At the peak of operations, 49 soldiers were deployed on Saturday, followed by a further 500 on Sunday. The government confirmed that about 755,163 hectares inside the park — roughly one-third of its area — were burned, with another 171,000 hectares affected outside the reserve.
Casualties among wildlife
Preliminary reports indicate that nine antelopes were killed in the fire. Authorities also confirmed the rescue of a pangolin.
The government said one elephant death had been reported but remains unverified. The park is also home to critically endangered black rhinos, although their status following the fire has not been disclosed.
Public appeal and political response
Namibia’s prime minister, Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, took to social media earlier on Monday, urging cooperation across sectors. “We appreciate those in the private sector that are assisting in curtailing the fire … Let’s work together: government and private sector. Let’s discourage those engaging in helpless blame game. Government has deployed resources to ensure the fire is contained,” he wrote.
Minister Daniel emphasised that damage assessments are ongoing and that full details of the ecological impact will be released once investigations are complete.
Ecological and conservation concerns
Etosha National Park is considered one of Africa’s most important conservation areas, home to iconic species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and the critically endangered black rhino.
With one-third of the park’s vegetation burned, conservationists fear that the fire could have long-term consequences for the food chain, habitat recovery, and wildlife migration patterns.
