Fire outbreaks in Brazil's Pantanal surge by 974% in 2024

This year, number is 2nd highest in last 15 years, trailing only 2020 when 2,135 outbreaks were reported, says National Institute for Space Research data

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) – The number of fire outbreaks in Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, increased by more than 950% compared to the last year.

The number of fires from the start of the year to June 9 has increased by 935% over the same period last year, according to figures from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

As of June 4, there had been 978 fire outbreaks, compared to 91 in 2023.

This year, the number is the second highest in the last 15 years, trailing only 2020 when 2,135 outbreaks were reported.

In 2020, approximately 30% of the biome in Pantanal was consumed by fires.

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland, covering over 42 million acres (about 17 million hectares).

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