Doha:Etosha All threatening veld fires in Etosha National Park were suppressed and contained by 19h00 on Saturday, with firefighting teams remaining on standby as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

According to NAMPA, Environment, Forestry and Tourism Ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula stated that the ministry's operational teams, along with members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), collaborated to contain the fires. Aerial observations conducted at 07h00 on Sunday confirmed that there were no active fires at the Oberland and Gemsbokvlakte areas.

Fires at the Olifantsbad, Harib, and Aus blocks remain contained and pose no threat to the park, as indicated by Hangula. Recent fire mapping shows that 3,746.18 square kilometres of the Etosha National Park were affected by fires during September and October 2026, which accounts for 16.3% of the park's total area.

Hangula also mentioned that firefighting teams have been recalled to base to rest and are on standby while the situation is monitored. Despite the containment, weather conditions, with temperatures forecasted to reach 39 degrees Celsius and wind speeds expected to reach 22 kilometres per hour from 11h00 on Sunday, could still pose a risk of reignition in some areas.

The cause of the fires has not yet been established. Etosha National Park Deputy Director Naambo Iipinge urged visitors to exercise caution and consider the potential consequences of their actions while in the park. Visitors, residents, and staff are encouraged to follow instructions from park officials and avoid activities that could trigger new fires or cause existing fires to spread. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and have firefighting teams on standby to respond should any fires reignite.