Landfill Fire in Manaus Largely Contained After Multi‑day Blaze

Overview

• A fire began at a private landfill on Tuesday in the Distrito Industrial II and burned deep layers of mixed waste that later spread dense smoke over Manaus.
• After more than 40 hours of operations, the Corpo de Bombeiros says the blaze is largely confined but active hotspots and smoldering pockets remain under remote monitoring and direct suppression.
• Ipaam inspectors found tires, plastics and oil‑contaminated material at a site licensed only for inert construction waste and issued a R$5.5 million administrative fine to the landowner.
• Smoke from the landfill and concurrent wildfires pushed Selva and IQAir readings into the highest risk categories, forcing universities to suspend in‑person classes and prompting health agencies to advise masks and reduced outdoor activity.
• The state has expanded firefighting bases and launched Operation Amazonas+Verde to fight multiple fires, and authorities warn of possible soil or groundwater contamination while the cause of the landfill blaze is still under investigation.