Thousands of people were evacuated, three firefighters died in France and Italy, and Spain is nearing 120,000 hectares burned in a season shaped by heat and rising fire risk.
The Government of San Luis deployed a large-scale operation to combat the forest fire that started in Estancia Grande. With the reinforcement of three water-dropping aircraft and the uninterrupted work of firefighters and brigades, they managed to contain the advance of the fire and protect homes. Authorities are investigating the intentional nature of the incident.
Forest fires in the Bolivian department of Tarija are spreading for the fifth consecutive day, reaching communities near the capital. Strong winds of up to 70 km/h, mountainous terrain and drought hinder firefighting efforts, while the government deploys helicopters and reinforces operations with military and firefighters.
Smoke from more than 180 active fires in northern Ontario blankets the United States, triggering air quality alerts in more than 20 states. Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis top global pollution rankings, as authorities urge people to stay indoors and take precautions in what could be the most significant smoke event since 2023.
Wildfire smoke and pollution indexes show again that public health, urban planning and climate action have become central variables in organizing major sporting events.