The Brazilian Amazon has experienced a significant decrease in the number of fires, reaching the lowest level of burned area since 1985. This progress comes after the devastating record of fires in 2024, which left a vast expanse of land charred.
Fires in the Amazon: A Historic Relief
In 2025, the area affected by fires was reduced to 3.1 million hectares, an impressive decrease of 80.3% compared to the 15.8 million hectares devastated the previous year, according to data from MapBiomas.
Despite this improvement, scientists express great concern due to the rapid recurrence of fires in certain areas, preventing vegetation from recovering adequately. Approximately 31.6% of the burned areas experience a new fire in less than two years.
Agricultural and livestock practices that use fire as a tool to clear land continue to be a determining factor in the spread of fires. Experts have called for stricter controls to address this situation.
Additionally, the possible arrival of an El Niño phenomenon threatens to increase the risk of fires due to the drier conditions it could bring.
The Persistent Threat of Fires in Brazil
The report also highlights that, although the Amazon has shown improvement, it remains one of the most fire-prone regions in Brazil. Along with the Cerrado, these two biomes concentrate 86% of the burned areas in the last four decades.
Throughout the country, the reduction in affected area has been notable. In 2025, Brazil saw 12.7 million hectares burned, almost half compared to the previous year. However, 64% of these areas have suffered repeated fires.
The coordinator of MapBiomas Fuego, Ane Alencar, highlights the importance of effective public policies and responsible management of fire use.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Researchers warn that the forecast of an El Niño episode could complicate climatic conditions, extending the dry season and delaying rains, which increases the risk of forest fires.
The scientific community emphasizes the need to protect the Amazon ecosystem by restricting harmful human practices and reinforcing fire prevention measures.
This new context presents a significant challenge to maintaining environmental balance in one of the largest rainforests in the world.
