Marthina Mutanga
THE raging veld fires at the Etosha National Park that started two days ago have been contained, with only a small fire burning in the middle of the block with no threat of moving further.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, smouldering smoke can also still be observed, but that the fires have for the most part been extinguished.
The fire on Tuesday entered from the Avondvrede farm into the Etosha National Park and quickly spread to the block west of Okaukuejo.
Muyunda added that no wildlife mortalities have been recorded and an assessment of the burned area is ongoing to establish how much land was damaged by the fires.
“The fire started at a nearby farm and entered the Etosha National Park and there is an ongoing assessment to determine the area burnt,” said Muyunda.
Muyunda further said that tourists should not be discouraged from visiting the national park as the veld fires no longer pose a danger.
He assured everyone that there are effective measures in place to fight veld fires and to ensure the continued safety of visitors of the park.
