25 Aug 2021

Government officials from various departments and members of the public from nearby settlements were this week battling wildfires ravaging Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and Khutse Game Reserve. 

Mr Johnson Lebotse, assistant manager of Khutse Game Reserve, which borders the massive CKGR, said about 50 per cent of the park had been destroyed by the fire which started last week. 

Mr Lebotse said they were racing against time adding that failure to control the fire might force closure of the park. 

Forestry department was Tuesday expected to send fire trucks to help put out the fire suspected to have originated from a CKGR settlement and blown by strong winds into the Khutse Game Reserve.

The fire has since spread to other areas outside the park such as Tshwaane, Dutlwe and Takatokwane, posing a threat to both residents and domestic animals. 

Mr Lebotse said although the area experienced frequent wildfires, the last one was in 2016/17. 

But last year’s heavy rainfall meant there was more than enough grass to provide fuel for the raging fires, he said. 

Mr Lebotse said so far no animals had been lost to the inferno and none had been reported to have fled outside the park. 

He explained that the vastness of the area enabled big animals to move to other parts. 

When the BOPA news team visited the area on Tuesday, three separate fires were spotted with a major one burning near the CKGR/Khutse Game Reserve borderline while several antelopes and ostriches were busy grazing. 

Mr Lebotse expressed concern about the future of the animals as they returned to their natural habitat.  

He said it would take many years for the flora to return to its original status. 

The assistant park manager, who was visibly tired after fighting  fires the entire night, explained that they opted to work at night because the fire was more visible and the temperatures lower then. 

Mr Lebotse thanked the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) for mapping the burning areas and the youth, especially those from Kaudwane, some 5 km from the park, for their support. 

He said they came out in large numbers despite the challenges associated with lack of transport and having to work at night. 

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Department of Forestry, the District Commissioner, Botswana Police Services were also involved. Ends