What is the name and location of the wildfires?
Since early September 2026, multiple wildfires have affected northern and northeastern Brazil. Dry conditions associated with El Niño, climate change, and human activity have contributed to increased fire activity, raising concerns about forest ecosystems and air quality (1) (2).
Wildfire map of northern and northeastern Brazil as of October 13, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
Wildfires and heavy smoke are affecting communities across the following Brazilian states:
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of October 15, 2026, no official containment figures have been reported. Amazonas alone recorded more than 3,700 fires in September, nearly four times the previous year’s total, and 1,679 fires during the first two weeks of October, up 253% from the same period in 2025 (3). Firefighting efforts continue amid dry conditions, with an emergency task force deployed to combat fires in remote areas (4).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
No region-wide evacuation orders have been issued across Brazil. However, states of emergency have been declared in dozens of affected municipalities, with public health measures introduced in several cities due to hazardous smoke levels (5). In areas most severely affected, public school activities have been suspended. Health authorities continue to monitor air quality across affected states and have advised people with respiratory or cardiac conditions to take extra precautions (6).
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
