Overview

• Officials reported containment on Monday, a week after fires ignited on September 22 and scorched roughly 34% of Etosha National Park.
• About 775,163 hectares inside the park and 171,098 hectares outside were burned, with damage extending into communal areas in Omusati and Oshana.
• The presidency and environment ministry said more than 500–540 soldiers, plus helicopters and water tankers, reinforced firefighters after an initial 40‑troop deployment.
• Authorities suspect the blaze started from charcoal production activities on commercial farms bordering the park, though the overall wildlife death toll remains unconfirmed.
• Volunteer groups and private operators criticized the timing and coordination of the response, even as officials cautioned visitors about fire near tourist roads and maintained mop‑up and monitoring operations.