Namibia has mobilized helicopters and hundreds of soldiers to combat a raging wildfire that has engulfed a third of Etosha National Park, a critical nature reserve and one of southern Africa’s premier tourist destinations. The park, renowned for its expansive salt pan visible from space, is also a sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino. The fire, believed to have originated on Monday at a charcoal production site outside the park’s boundaries, has spread rapidly, claiming the lives of at least nine antelopes and devastating wildlife habitats and grazing pastures in the Omusati and Oshana regions bordering Angola. Opposition MP Likando Rodrick has criticized the government for its delayed response, urging enhanced preparedness and long-term fire management strategies. In response, Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare announced on X that an emergency meeting on Saturday resulted in the deployment of an additional 500 troops to assist firefighters, police, and volunteers. Covering 22,935 square kilometers, Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s largest reserves, attracting around 200,000 tourists annually. It is home to 114 mammal species and serves as a haven for migratory birds, including flamingos. While experts acknowledge that wildfires are a natural occurrence in arid savannahs and can benefit ecosystems when managed properly, the current blaze underscores the urgent need for effective fire control measures.