Fires surge 253% in Brazil's Amazonas state

2026-10-15 · Climate · Brazil

There were 1,679 fires in Brazil's Amazonas state this month, a 253% surge compared to the same period last year, fuelled by El Nino and climate change according to reports. The sharp increase threatens the rainforest, a critical carbon sink, and adds to global concerns about deforestation and warming. The fires come amid broader extreme weather that scientists link to climate change.

Why it matters：Amazon fires release vast carbon stores and accelerate biodiversity loss, affecting global climate goals.

Key points

• 1,679 fires were recorded in Amazonas this month.
• That is a 253% surge year on year.
• El Nino and climate change are cited as drivers.

Sources (original reporting)

• The Straits Times

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