Bolivia Wildfires Set to Break Records Amid Climate Concerns

Bolivia is facing record-breaking wildfires with satellite data indicating a rise in fire hot-spots surpassing 2010 levels. Aid from the European Union is helping combat the fires. Scientists link the increased fire spread to climate change and human activities. Neighboring countries also face similar challenges.

Bolivia is bracing for a potentially record-breaking wildfire season, according to the latest satellite data. Hot-spot counts have surged past those recorded during the major blazes of 2010, setting the stage for an unprecedented fire season across South America.

Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) reported that Bolivia registered 70,628 fire hotspots by September 22, surpassing the previous peak seen in 2010. The arrival of an Electra Tanker 481 water bomber and Airbus BK117 D3 helicopter from the European Union offers some respite to the hardest-hit areas like Santa Cruz.

Experts attribute the worsening fire conditions to climate change and human activities, including agricultural land clearances. Heatwaves and droughts, fueled by climate change, are contributing to the rapid spread of fires. Neighboring countries such as Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Brazil are also battling similar blazes, underlining the broader implications of a warming planet.

(With inputs from agencies.)