Week 15: Wildfires/Droughts

Due to the weather change and human activity in Peru, the country has experienced thousands of wildfire outbreaks this past and current year. According to statista.com, Peru experienced 16,670 wildfire outbreaks in 2020. Statistically this year from January to October 2021, there have been 10,460 wildfires to date. In comparison to its bordering countries (Ecuador and Brazil) Peru has a significantly higher number of wildfires. 

One of the most vivid and probable places for a fire in the country is the Peruvian Amazon. In 2019 a huge fire swept through Iquitos (Amazonian jungle city) burning many houses down. Other common places in Peru that have been ignited by fire since July 2021 are the cities of Cusco (32 wildfires), Ayacucho (14 wildfires), and Huanuco and Puno (12 wildfires each). According to andina.com, the National Forest and Wildlife Service many of the fires have been due to farmers burning pasture and stubble. 

In order to stop the fires and make change, the Agriculture Ministry has passed a “Plan for Forest Fire and Risk Reduction” which is going to be in full effect by 2022. One of the main points in this plan will be to educate rural populations and farmers on the devastating effects of fire outbreaks. 

Work Cited: 

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1043866/number-wildfires-peru/

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-49011586

https://andina.pe/ingles/noticia-peru-142-wildfires-reported-between-july-and-august-764713.aspx