Namibia has deployed its army to help battle wildfires sweeping through Etosha National Park, where more than a third of the land has already been scorched.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism described the damage as “extensive,” warning that the fires have devastated wildlife habitats and disrupted fragile ecosystems in one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas.

Soldiers have joined firefighters and park rangers in a coordinated effort to contain the flames, using heavy equipment and controlled burns to slow the spread. Officials say strong winds and dry conditions have made firefighting operations especially difficult.

Etosha National Park, home to elephants, lions, rhinos, and hundreds of bird species, is one of Namibia’s most important tourism and wildlife reserves. Authorities stressed that protecting the park is a national priority and urged communities nearby to remain on alert.