What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of September 30, 2025, the Etosha Fire has burned across Etosha National Park in northern Namibia, one of Africa’s largest and most important wildlife reserves. The blaze began on September 22, reportedly linked to charcoal production near the park’s border.
Roughly 775,000 hectares inside the park and over 170,000 hectares outside have been affected. The fire has destroyed vast grazing lands and habitats critical for elephants, lions, giraffes, and critically endangered black rhinos (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the Etosha Fire?
The Etosha Fire has impacted regions surrounding the park, including:
Hundreds of thousands of hectares of grazing land were scorched, threatening rural communities reliant on livestock and farming. Smoke and ash from the fires also affected nearby settlements, raising air quality concerns.
Etosha, a major tourist destination attracting 200,000 visitors annually, has suffered severe ecological damage, including wildlife deaths such as nine antelopes and possible losses of other species (2).
What is the current containment status of the Etosha Fire?
By September 29, 2025, Namibia’s Prime Minister confirmed that all major fires in and around Etosha National Park were contained, though mop-up and monitoring operations continue.
More than 500 soldiers, helicopters, firefighters, and volunteers were deployed to battle the blaze. Strong winds and dry vegetation had fueled rapid spread, but coordinated efforts eventually controlled the fire.
Officials warn that the ecological damage is extensive, and aerial surveys are underway to assess the full scale of destruction. Experts stress the fire poses long-term risks to biodiversity and local livelihoods (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
No large-scale evacuation orders have been issued, and thankfully no human casualties have been reported. However, residents in surrounding rural communities were urged to remain on alert as fires spread to communal lands.
Authorities emphasized the significant risk to livestock, farmland, and biodiversity. Local volunteers, farmers, and emergency brigades assisted in firefighting, while helicopters provided aerial support.
Communities closest to the park were advised to monitor smoke conditions and take precautions. Officials have called for stronger wildfire preparedness and better long-term response measures to protect both people and ecosystems (4).
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
See how a wildfire smoke air purifier can help clean your air.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
