Fires in the Amazon

Forest fires in Brazil and Peru have reached unprecedented levels, fueled by extreme drought affecting over 60% of Brazil and exacerbated by climate issues and illegal land clearing. In Brazil's Amazon, firefighters are struggling to contain the flames, which have burned for over 40 days, creating a toxic haze and threatening vast areas of forest and farmland. Meanwhile, in Peru, President Dina Boluarte declared a 60-day state of emergency in regions impacted by fires that have razed crops and endangered archaeological sites. Volunteer firefighters report exhaustion as they battle the blazes, which have affected 240 fires across 22 of the country's 25 regions, with many still at risk of reigniting. The destruction threatens not only the environment but also Indigenous communities and cultural heritage sites. The ongoing crisis highlights a broader pattern of devastation across South America, with records broken for the number of fires this year.