A high-level delegation comprising the governors of the Oshana, Oshikoto, and Omusati regions boarded a helicopter on Thursday to assess the extent of the veldfires ravaging the three regions. 

The delegation also included Oshana Regional Police Commander Commissioner Naftal Sakaria, regional councillors, government officials, and representatives of the NDF and NAMPOL. 

The fire has already scorched thousands of hectares of grazing land, destroying forest areas heavily relied on by communal farmers to feed their livestock. According to Amon Andreas, Deputy Director of Forestry and Management, the blaze has caused significant damage in the south-western part of Okahao Constituency in Omusati. 

He explained that the fire is being fuelled by strong winds, intense heat, and abundant dry grass. “Cutlines alone will never be enough to prevent wildfires from spreading. There is, however, a need for behavioural change in how fires are handled if we are to avoid destructive fire incidents every year,” Andreas warned. 

The veldfires have also damaged quarantine fences and cattle posts, creating further economic losses for farmers. The biodiversity and grazing capacity in the affected areas have suffered negative impacts. 

Officials added that whirlwinds, which are more active during the day due to fluctuating wind directions, have accelerated the spread of the fire, making containment efforts more difficult.