Wildfires in Brazil’s Amazonas state worsen air quality in Manaus

Smoke from wildfires in Brazil's Amazonas state has significantly impacted the air quality in the city of Manaus, the capital of the state. The city, which serves as the capital of Amazonas state, has suspended in-person work at municipal administrative offices due to the worsening air quality, canceled public school classes, and urged residents to wear face masks.

The concentration of pollutants in the city averaged 196 micrograms per cubic meter, a level considered unhealthy and well above the normal range of 3 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. The situation extends beyond the capital, threatening the health and quality of life of thousands of families. The Brazilian Amazon has recorded about 33,556 fire hotspots this year, nearly 50% more than during the same period in 2025, though about 53% below the historical average.

Fire hotspots have shifted across the Amazon since the dry season began in June, with more recent increases near Manaus and in southern Amazonas state and around Santarem in Para state.

Brief written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.