Smoke from Fires Blankets Brasilia, Disrupts Air Quality

Brasilia has been enveloped in smoke due to wildfires spreading from the Amazon, the Cerrado savannah, and local areas in Sao Paulo, prompting President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to pledge increased firefighting efforts. The region recorded nearly 3,500 fire alerts this month, the highest since 1998, with suspicions of coordinated arson events. Air quality in Brasilia reached unhealthy levels, leading to public event cancellations and temporary airport closures. The smoke also affected the surrounding state of Goiás, where worsening respiratory conditions have been reported and flight cancellations occurred due to low visibility. Residents are advised to take precautions against the health impacts of smoke exposure. Despite a cold front bringing some relief, smoke is expected to persist in the region.