Bolivia Wildfires Expected to Exceed Record Levels as Forests Burn, Reports Reuters

By Monica Machicao

LA PAZ (Reuters) – Recent satellite data indicates that wildfires in Bolivia are on track to set a new record, with the number of fire hot spots this year surpassing the figures from the same period during the major blazes of 2010, as fires continue to ravage the wider South American region.

Data from Brazil’s space research agency revealed that Bolivia recorded 70,628 fire hot spots by September 22, exceeding the count for January to September 2010. That year ultimately saw a historic total of 83,119 hot spots.

Over the weekend, the European Union dispatched aid to Bolivia’s central region of Santa Cruz, one of the areas most affected by the devastating wildfires. The support included an Electra Tanker 481 water bomber and an Airbus BK117 D3 helicopter.

Experts emphasize that while many of the fires are human-caused, recent hot and dry conditions—exacerbated by climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption—have greatly increased the speed at which the fires spread. Since last year, South America has been enduring a series of heat waves.

"It’s a global challenge in the fight against climate change. We must unite in this struggle," stated Helene Roos, the French ambassador to Bolivia. Alongside the EU, support has also come from Canada, Brazil, and Venezuela.

The wildfires in Bolivia have been worsened by ongoing drought and land clearances associated with growing cattle and grain industries.

Fires are also raging in neighboring countries such as Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Brazil, where firefighters recently worked to protect straw-roofed houses in indigenous communities in the Xingu area.

"After years of service as firefighters, we’ve noticed the impact of climate change, which has made our duties significantly more challenging," remarked Guilherme Camargo, a supervisor for state firefighters.

Megaron Txucarramae, a notable indigenous leader, expressed broader concerns, stating that the fires in Brazil and across the region send a clear warning: "We are worried, and it’s not just us—this is a global issue."