Record Wildfires in Brazil Rage Across Amazon, Pantanal Wetlands
Democracy NowAUG 20 2024
On Monday, a wildfire started in the National Forest of Brasilia, destroying more than 20% of the forest before firefighters brought it under control on Wednesday.
The National Forest includes 5.6K hectares (13.8K acres) and supplies 70% of the capital's freshwater through its springs. Dry vegetation and high temperatures during the dry season were attributed to the fire's rapid spread.
Strong winds complicated the efforts to contain the fire. Firefighters' focus was initially to protect and control the farm area from 50- and 60-meter-high embers.
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