Emergency declared in 36 Amazonas cities as wildfires spread

Wildfires have spread across Amazonas, in northern Brazil, prompting the state to declare an emergency in 36 municipalities on October 10.

In the first 10 days of October, the state recorded 1,380 fire outbreaks, nearly four times the number in the same period of 2025.

Fires have affected areas near the capital, Manaus, and in the south of the state, while smoke has disrupted visibility and led the city to suspend municipal school classes for a day.

Federal recognition of the emergency allows federal agencies to release resources for the response.

The federal government says 290 federal firefighters are already working there, and aircraft have been mobilized, including two Air Force planes due to begin operations on October 12.

During an aerial survey, federal and state officials saw many fires inside preserved forest and protected areas; the environment minister said some appeared to have been set deliberately.

Officials say the response will include fighting fires and identifying those responsible.