Public Health Situation Analysis: Wildfires in South America. February 2025

In 2024, wildfires in several South American countries increased significantly, especially between August and September, due to a prolonged drought characterized by low rainfall and a deficit of soil moisture. This phenomenon was aggravated by El Niño, which exacerbated the drought in many regions, favoring the spread of fire and amplifying its environmental and social impact.

At the beginning of 2025, the region is still affected by drought conditions and water deficit, which generates a high-risk scenario for the spread of new fires in several areas.

This document presents a summary of the situation and the main health risks in areas affected by forest fires.

*Available in Spanish.