The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has recorded 1,2 million hectares of land burnt by wildfires, totalling 1,300 fire outbreaks countrywide in 2025.

Government officials, conservationists, and emergency responders met this week at Oshakati for a 3-day workshop aimed at strengthening Namibia's approach to managing wildfires.

Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge says wildfires continue to threaten lives, grazing land, wildlife, and infrastructure, with climate change and human activity increasing the risk.

The Omusati, Oshikoto and Oshana regions were recorded with the highest number of outbreaks. 

"The grass is already dry; I heard that most cutlines are not ready. Illegal fencing is also making it so difficult for the colleagues that are fighting those fires to penetrate those yards; traditional leaders, it's making work for the colleagues difficult. Please, traditional leaders, it's your assignment to really direct this so that we make the work easier for the colleagues." 

Deputy Director of Forest Management for the Northern Regions Amon Andreas says a robust response is imperative to minimise the negative effects of outbreaks.

Andreas added that the ministry has begun fuel load assessments and vegetation outlook monitoring to better prepare for the future wildfire seasons.

"These fires are not occurring by themselves; these fires are started by someone, and our people are handling fire recklessly, especially where we have conditions that are favourable to fire. Those conditions are warm temperatures, high volumes of fuel and strong winds. Under those conditions, really, nobody should be starting fires because it's going to be a disaster."