There are currently more than 40 forest fires in Guatemala. They cover parts of the country in harmful smog. The government has declared a disaster. The cause of many fires could be agricultural.
There are currently 44 forest fires burning across the country in Guatemala, Central America. The capital, Guatemala City, is shrouded in toxic smog. The government has now declared a disaster.
As the Prensa Comunitaria news agency reported, the country’s second largest landfill is also on fire. As a result, air quality that is harmful to health is measured in Guatemala City and the surrounding districts.
In particular, older people, pregnant women and children as well as people with heart and respiratory diseases suffer from the smog caused by the fires. More than 200 residents have so far received medical treatment for acute illnesses related to poor air quality, said the country’s Health Minister, Óscar Cordón. Schools were also closed in three Guatemalan provinces as a precautionary measure.
Slash-and-burn farming is suspected to be the main cause
According to Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo, around 80 percent of forest fires are caused by arson. The responsible authorities have announced criminal investigations. At this time of year, farmers prepare to sow seeds and burn the fields.
According to official information, more than 1,300 fires have been registered in Central America’s most populous country with 17 million inhabitants since the start of the dry season in November. The fight against fires is made more difficult by persistent drought and high temperatures.
By declaring a disaster, more funding can be made available to fight the fires. As the dpa news agency reported, the government wants to invest around 13 million euros to equip fire and rescue teams. In addition, the country now has the option of requesting support from abroad.