Wildfires in Brazil's Amazon Hit Decade-High Amidst Prolonged Drought

Fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest surged to the highest number in nearly 15 years for September, exacerbated by a prolonged drought linked to climate change. The fires, often started illegally to clear land, have been particularly intense, covering more than half the continent in smoke.

Fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest surged to the highest number in nearly 15 years for the month of September, preliminary government data revealed on Tuesday. The increase follows similar highs in July and August.

A prolonged drought across much of South America, attributed to climate change, has intensified the fires, which have frequently shrouded over half the continent in smoke. The National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) reported 41,463 fire hot spots in the Amazon for September, the highest since 2010.

The situation is dire, with fires for the first nine months of the year reaching their worst level since 2007. Observations from a flight to Santarem in the Amazonian state of Para showed extensive haze, while the state recorded the highest number of hot spots for September since 2007. Land clearing for agriculture and ranching, often executed illegally, is a significant cause. President Lula da Silva has deemed the fires 'criminal,' with federal police intensifying efforts to counter environmental crimes in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)