A wildfire broke out outside Etosha National Park on Monday this week, and it has now entered the southwestern part of the park.

Since its outbreak, the fire has continued to burn with great intensity, fuelled by strong winds and extremely dry vegetation.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson Ndeshipanda Hamunyela said the blaze is difficult to contain despite efforts by the teams on site.

The fire is spreading rapidly in several directions, and the Environment Ministry, supported by the Namibian Defence Forces and neighbouring communities, has been working tirelessly to manage the situation.

The fire is suspected to have originated from nearby charcoal production activities and then spread to Etosha National Park.

Priority has been placed on safeguarding human lives, wildlife, and vital infrastructure such as boreholes, patrol camps, and grazing areas. Cut lines have been established to prevent the fire from spreading quickly to other areas. 

Hamunyela said her ministry is monitoring the fire closely on the ground, and their air wing has been dispatched to assess the affected area.