What Is 2019 wildfires in the Amazon

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 wildfires in the Amazon rainforest burned over 76,000 square kilometers (29,500 square miles), with more than 90,000 fire alerts recorded by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) between January and August 2019. The fires sparked global concern due to the Amazon's role as a carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot.

Key Facts

Over 90,000 fire alerts were recorded in Brazil by August 2019, an 84% increase from 2018.
The Amazon lost more than 76,000 km² (29,500 sq mi) of forest in 2019 due to fires and deforestation.
August 2019 saw a 115% year-on-year increase in fire incidents in Brazil.
Indigenous lands and protected areas accounted for nearly 30% of fire-affected regions.
Bolivia experienced over 3.8 million acres burned, primarily in the Chiquitano dry forest.
NASA and INPE satellites detected a sharp rise in smoke plumes and fire hotspots starting July 2019.

Overview

The 2019 wildfires in the Amazon rainforest marked one of the most severe environmental crises of the decade. Fueled by dry conditions and human activity, the fires spread rapidly across Brazil, Bolivia, and neighboring countries, drawing international attention and condemnation.

Scientists and environmental agencies attributed the surge in fires to increased deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching. The Amazon, often called the 'lungs of the Earth,' plays a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide, making the 2019 fires a major concern for global climate stability.

90,000+ fire alerts: Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) recorded over 90,000 fire detections from January to August 2019, a dramatic rise from previous years.
84% increase from 2018: The number of fires reported in 2019 was 84% higher than in the same period of 2018, signaling a sharp escalation in deforestation-related burning.
August peak: Fire activity spiked in August 2019, with satellite imagery showing smoke plumes visible from space, blanketing cities like São Paulo in midday darkness.
Primary cause: human activity: Over 95% of Amazon fires are linked to human actions, including land clearing for soy farming and cattle pasture expansion.
Global carbon impact: The Amazon stores an estimated 120 billion tons of carbon; burning releases CO₂, accelerating climate change and reducing the forest’s carbon absorption capacity.

How It Works

Understanding the dynamics of the 2019 Amazon fires requires examining the interplay between climate conditions, land use policies, and enforcement practices in the region.

Deforestation-driven fires: Farmers and ranchers use controlled burns to clear land, but dry weather in 2019 allowed these fires to escape into rainforests and spread uncontrollably.
El Niño influence: Although 2019 wasn’t an El Niño year, regional drought conditions created tinder-dry vegetation, increasing fire risk and spread.
Satellite monitoring: INPE and NASA used MODIS and VIIRS sensors to detect fire hotspots and track smoke plumes across South America.
Government policy: Brazil’s administration under President Jair Bolsonaro reduced environmental enforcement and promoted agricultural expansion, contributing to lax fire regulation.
Indigenous land threats: Fires affected nearly 30% of protected indigenous territories, endangering communities and biodiversity.
International response: Global outcry led to pledges from G7 nations to provide $20 million in emergency aid, though Brazil initially rejected the offer.

Comparison at a Glance

Fire activity across Amazonian countries in 2019 varied significantly by region and policy environment:

Country	Fires (Jan–Aug)	Area Burned	Primary Cause	Government Response
Brazil	76,000+	76,000 km²	Agricultural clearing	Downplayed crisis, fired INPE director
Bolivia	17,000+	3.8 million acres	Cattle ranching expansion	Requested international aid, deployed military
Peru	12,000	1.2 million acres	Small-scale farming	Declared environmental emergency
Colombia	5,000	400,000 acres	Land speculation	Increased monitoring
Suriname	Under 500	Minimal	Natural causes	Stable forest policy

The data reveals a clear correlation between weak environmental governance and fire severity. Bolivia and Brazil, where agricultural policies favored land conversion, suffered the worst impacts, while countries with stronger forest protections fared better.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Amazon fires were a wake-up call about the fragility of one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems. Beyond immediate destruction, the fires threatened long-term climate resilience and indigenous rights.

Loss of biodiversity: The Amazon is home to 10% of known species; fires destroy habitats and endanger countless plants and animals.
Climate tipping point: Scientists warn that losing 20–25% of the Amazon could trigger irreversible dieback, turning forest into savanna.
Indigenous displacement: Fires forced indigenous communities to flee, disrupting cultures and traditional knowledge systems.
Global health impact: Smoke from the fires degraded air quality across South America, increasing respiratory illness rates.
Economic costs: Brazil faced international trade backlash, with companies reconsidering supply chains linked to deforestation.
Policy shifts: The crisis spurred renewed global focus on zero-deforestation agreements and sustainable agriculture standards.

The 2019 fires underscored the urgent need for coordinated environmental protection and sustainable development across the Amazon basin.