Wildfire Smoke Pushes Air Quality to 'Péssimo' in Amazonas

Overview

• Selva sensors on Saturday recorded 'péssimo' particulate levels, with readings up to 392.5 µg/m³ in Vila Amazônia and 332.3 µg/m³ in Parintins.
• Health services report a clear rise in smoke-related cases, with Manaus recording more than 1,200 attendances for smoke exposure since the fire surge began.
• The smoke has disrupted daily life by forcing the suspension of in-person classes in Parintins and cancelling commercial and aeromedical flights because of low visibility.
• Since August the region has seen a sharp rise in fires with over 8,500 hotspots in Amazonas and 450 fires recorded in Pará on November 13, a major source of transported smoke.
• Authorities have kept emergency measures in place after an October decree for 36 municipalities, state monitors put 15 of 62 municipalities on high alert, and officials advise staying indoors, using masks and humidifying environments.