Perilous
Times and Climate Change
Brazil wildfires rage in 17 protected reserves
(AP)
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazilian officials say wildfires have
burned about 930 square miles (2,400 square kilometers) of land
inside 17 national reserves since the start of the dry season.
The government's Chico Mendes conservation institute says about
1,600 firefighters and volunteers are struggling to control the
flames.
Officials say the dry season that began in June has been
particularly bad this year, with less rainfall across the country
and higher temperatures.
The government says the number of fires in the jungle state of
Amazonas has nearly doubled this year, with more than 260
outbreaks.
Officials say the causes of the fires are often natural, such as
lightning striking dry land. But they've also warned residents in
the Amazon region to not light fires on their property.