Over 53 000 hectares destroyed by wildfires locally

By Ludorf Iyambo

The Environment Ministry said Namibia has lost more than 53 000 hectares of land to wildfires across five regions, despite the country’s traditional fire season only beginning in August.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Vilho Angula said Erongo and Kunene regions remain the hardest-hit, with wildfires destroying approximately 21 000 hectares and 19 000 hectares respectively.

“In terms of the area affected by wildfires, approximately 7,340 hectares have been burned in the Zambezi Region, while the Erongo Region has recorded about 21,000 hectares. In the Kunene Region, fires have destroyed an estimated 19,000 hectares. The Omusati Region has lost around 4,000 hectares, and approximately 2,000 hectares have been affected in the Otjozondjupa Region so far this year.

Based on our assessment of the amount of dry grass currently covering the country’s landscapes, all indicators suggest that Namibia is likely to experience a more severe wildfire season in the months ahead,” said Angula.

He explained that wildfires occur when high temperatures, strong winds and dry vegetation combine to create ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly.

“Wildfires occur when three key elements are present: high temperatures, strong winds and an abundance of dry vegetation, which serves as fuel. Together, these factors create conditions that are highly conducive to the outbreak and rapid spread of wildfires,” said Angula.

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