Namibia fires: Army sent into Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is home to endangered black rhinos and more than 100 diverse mammal species.

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Etosha National Park is one of southern Africa's top tourist attractions, known for its vast salt pan that can be seen from space. It is also home to critically endangered black rhinos.

The country's environment ministry believes the fire broke out on Monday at a charcoal production site outside the park's borders.

Almost a week on, it has spread into the park killing at least nine antelope and destroying wildlife habitats, as well as hundreds of thousands of hectares of grazing pasture outside the park in regions bordering Angola.

"Strong winds and dry vegetation" were partly to blame for the rapid escalation of the blaze, officials say.