Forest fire, Paraguay declared a state of emergency

On September 12, the Paraguayan government had to declare a state of emergency after many large forest fires burned over 100,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land. Fires spread quickly in the past days, destroying dozens of houses and forcing some flights to divert due to dense smoke.

Fires are said to be cleared by farmers (Photo: bbc)

Paraguay's Ministry of Agriculture said 400 soldiers were sent to the worst-affected areas to support fire. Many trucks carrying tents and food also came to evacuees.

People blame the act of intentionally burning trees in small areas to clear up the land, taking farmers' and soybean growing places, causing these fires.

Paraguay's President Nicanor Duarte - criticized for reacting too slowly to fires - said the government will spend money to hire a Russian water carrier to help fight the fires. This type of aircraft was used to stamp out the Greek forest fires last August.

T.VY