Fires Surge in Brazil’s Amazon as El Niño Raises Concerns

Fires in Brazil’s Amazonas state surged by 253% during the first two weeks of October, as dry conditions and human activity contributed to a growing crisis affecting air quality and daily life in parts of the region.

According to Reuters, Amazonas recorded 1,679 fires between October 1 and 14, compared with the same period last year. At least 36 municipalities have declared states of emergency amid smoke-related health concerns and disruptions to outdoor activities.

In Manaus, the state capital, poor air quality led to the closure of public schools on Wednesday, October 14.

Scientists and officials have warned that El Niño and climate change are contributing to hotter, drier conditions that can increase fire risks and make blazes harder to contain.

Brazil’s Environment Minister, João Paulo Capobianco, said an aerial inspection on October 11 revealed fires burning inside protected forest areas.

“We saw fire outbreaks in the middle of preserved forest, countless outbreaks,” he said, adding that the findings pointed to deliberate fires intended to damage the forest and clear land. His ministry has pledged to investigate.

The federal government and civil defence authorities have deployed aircraft and firefighting teams to help contain the blazes.

The fires come as El Niño is forecast to become one of the strongest on record.

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