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Situation Overview
Wildfires continue affecting South America, while countries as Colombia report a reduction in the number of fires affecting their territories, others such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Argentina remain on alert. According to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research between our last report on 26 September and the issuance of this report, 13,592 hotspots have been detected in Brazil, followed by Bolivia (9,088), Argentina (2,833), Paraguay (1,099), Peru (790) and Colombia (269), Venezuela (182), Guyana (85), Ecuador (79). See the maps attached as an annex to this situation report.
In Brazil, according to a report issued by the National Confederation of Municipalities (CNM for its acronym in Portuguese) it is estimated that at least 10,700 people have been evacuated; however, this number may be bigger as not all municipalities have reported complete data. The wildfires in Brazil directly affected 18.9 million people and caused significant damage in 684 municipalities. The most affected states include Acre, Rondônia, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, and Bahia. Five people have been reported dead, and many have been affected by smoke inhalation, the interruption of essential services and other health problems as a result of the wildfires. Due to the risk of more fires, Operation Drought will be extended until 15 October, keeping firefighters on alert and ready, following the required protocols.
In Bolivia, on 30 September, a National Disaster was declared due to wildfires. As of 1 October, 67 municipalities have been affected, of those, 30 were declared in disaster and 7 in emergency. According to a report issued by the Vice Ministry of Civil defense (VIDECI) on 27 September, nationally, wildfires have affected 68% of the grasslands and 32 per cent of the country's forests. It is estimated that approximately 11,184 families have been impacted, and 54,.597 families have been affected, and 5 deaths have been reported. Since the first incident this year on 26 July, 74,805 hectares have been affected, with an additional 53,552 burned.
In Peru, between 20 September and 1 October, 30 controlled fires and 10 active fires have been reported in Ancash (5), Cajamarca (1), Amazonas (11), Huanuco (1), Cusco (2), Ucayali (11), San Martín (3), Pasco (3), Tumbes (1), and Apurímac (2). During this period, an additional 11 people have been impacted, 12 have been affected, and there has been 1 reported death. Furthermore, three homes have been destroyed, four have been affected; and considering only the 27 wildfires that have been assessed so far, a total of 13,479.80 hectares have been destroyed. There are currently 13 fires under evaluation.
In Colombia from 1 January to 30 September, a wave of wildfires affected 30 out of the 32 departments of the country; this situation is now being controlled; the onset of rains has contributed to preventing the fires from increasing or getting out of control. Currently there is one active fire in Cundinamarca, according to the Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD). Starting in October and November 2024, the La Niña phenomenon will intensify, which implies an increase in flooding, landslides, and other impacts from this event; the phenomenon is expected to last until June 2025.
In Argentina, firefighters continue to battle wildfires in Córdoba, which remains at extreme risk due to ongoing fire outbreaks. Currently, an active fire is burning in Quebrada de la Mermela, while fires have reignited in the Punilla area, posing significant danger due to strong wind gusts. A fire in Yacanto, in the town of San Javier, was reported but quickly contained. On 1 October, a bill was passed declaring a 180-day environmental, economic, and housing emergency in Córdoba.
Wildfire activity in Ecuador has intensified in the past few weeks, with a significant increase in both affected area and the number of people impacted: 269 new wildfires (an 8.1% increase) have consumed an additional 4,000 hectares (a 10.6% increase), bringing the totals to 3,571 wildfires and 41,600 hectares
burned. Most concerning is the dramatic 140 per cent increase in the number of people affected, now totaling 1,372. Additionally, 11 houses were destroyed. While Pichincha province, where Quito is located, ranks third nationally in wildfire frequency and severity, the situation in the capital has stabilized following the Mayor's Office declaration of emergency. No new wildfires have been reported in Quito since the
declaration. However, the city has experienced moderate rains and localized flooding. While this has helped suppress fire activity, authorities are closely monitoring the potential development of a La Niña phenomenon, which could delay the onset of the rainy season, particularly along the Coast region of the country. This could exacerbate wildfire risk in those areas. Continued electric service suspensions nationwide is still in place.