LA PAZ, Bolivia: Bolivia is grappling with a record number of fires in the first seven months of the year, as satellite data from Brazil’s space research agency, Inpe, revealed on Thursday. The fires have devastated landscapes, forced villagers to flee, killed wildlife, and complicated firefighting efforts due to nationwide diesel shortages.
From January through July, Bolivia registered approximately 17,700 fire points, the highest ever recorded in this period. For three consecutive months through July, Bolivia has seen record-breaking monthly fire points. The continent faces a particularly intense fire season this year, with drought conditions exacerbated by climate change drying out vegetation across the region.
In eastern Bolivia, especially the lowland region of Santa Cruz, fires have wreaked havoc. The town of Robore has been severely affected, with video footage showing burnt animals along roadsides and villagers fleeing through thick smoke. One farmer, escaping from a burning tractor, described his narrow escape from the flames.
Reservoir levels in Robore have been declining for two months, worsening the situation. “It hasn’t rained,” said Mayor Jose Diaz Ruiz. “Fire has consumed our forests.”
The scale of the fires dramatically increased last month, with major blazes becoming visible on satellite images from July 18, according to data compiled by nonprofit Amazon Conservation. With the peak of the dry season yet to come in August and September, the situation remains dire as Bolivia struggles to combat these unprecedented fires.
