Latest news Severe fires in south-east Brazil - thousands of helpers in action

Severe fires are raging in south-eastern Brazil. The government of the state of São Paulo declared a state of emergency in 45 municipalities. A total of more than 15,000 full-time and volunteer firefighters fought the flames, according to the government. Military aircraft were also deployed. Two people were arrested for arson.

The city of Ribeirão Preto in the interior of the state was particularly affected by the fires. According to media reports, thick smoke spread across large parts of the region. The authorities advised people with respiratory problems to stay at home and close the windows. According to data from the Institute for Space Research (Inpe), which is responsible for satellite monitoring, 3175 fires were registered in the state of São Paulo from August 1 to 23. According to a report by the news agency Agência Brasil, the last time there were so many fires there was in any August since 1998.

The Amazon region is also currently experiencing particularly severe fires. The Pantanal wetlands and the Cerrado savannah region are also affected. June to October is forest fire season in Brazil. Deforested areas are set on fire to create new pastures and arable land for soybean cultivation. The situation is also exacerbated this year by a severe drought. According to experts, it is linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon and climate change.

SDA