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Etosha ‘Gigafire’ Scorched Over One-Third of Namibia’s Flagship Park as Crews Shift to Mop-Up

Authorities are investigating a suspected charcoal-linked ignition near farms bordering Etosha.

Overview

  • New satellite analyses indicate at least 7,000 km² of Etosha burned, with scars extending beyond park boundaries into farmland and villages.
  • The government convened an emergency meeting on September 27 and deployed roughly 500 troops the next day, drawing scrutiny over the speed of the response.
  • Officials report the main interior blazes were contained by September 30–October 1, with NASA data still detecting activity in some areas through October 5.
  • Confirmed wildlife losses include nine antelopes, one elephant and one injured pangolin, as veterinarians and aerial teams continue monitoring.
  • Local vendors and herding communities report lost income and grazing, while the park remains open to visitors on unaffected routes and lodges continue operating.