Peru Battles Widespread Wildfires, Leading to 15 Deaths Since July

LIMA — Wildfires in Peru have resulted in at least 15 fatalities and the burning of over 3,000 hectares (11.58 sq. mi.) of cultivated land and natural areas, authorities reported on Monday.

Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén informed reporters that the fires were ignited by human activity and that 22 out of the 24 regions comprising the country are experiencing active outbreaks. He further mentioned that clouds, smoke, and winds are hindering the effectiveness of aircraft deployed to combat the fires.

A Civil Defense report reviewed by the Associated Press reveals that since July, at least 15 individuals have perished, and another 98 have sustained injuries as a consequence of the fires. Among the fatalities, 10 occurred in the past two weeks, and more than 1,800 people have been affected. The livestock sector has reported the loss of 334 animals.

Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service, SERFOR, has indicated that the impacts of climate change exacerbate conditions that facilitate the spread of fire.

“Extremely strong winds and prolonged droughts dry out vegetation, transforming it into highly flammable fuel,” explained Romina Liza, a specialist in monitoring and management of forest Fires at SERFOR. “This enables the fire to spread rapidly.”

Some of the most challenging fires are situated in the Amazon region, which shares a border with Ecuador, as disclosed by the head of civil defense, Juan Urcariegui, to a local television station.