Namibian Military Battles Wildfires in Iconic Wildlife Reserve

Namibia deployed soldiers, helicopters and water tankers to battle wildfires that have burned more than a third of Etosha National Park, one of the southern African nation’s key tourist destinations and wildlife habitats.

About 775,163 hectares (1.9 million acres) — more than a third of the park — have been scorched since the fires began on Sept. 22, Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel said in an emailed statement Sunday. Land outside the park has also been affected, including communal grazing areas near the northern border with Angola, she said.