With the start of the dry season, forest fires once again threaten the Amazonian forests and the communities that depend on them.

This phenomenon, which intensifies between July and October, has become one of the most serious and recurring environmental threats in the country.

2024 was particularly critical: at least 16 fatalities and more than 3,000 hectares of forests, protected areas, and agricultural lands were devastated by fire across 22 regions in the country, including Madre de Dios (SERFOR, 2024).

In July, several regions in the south of the country, such as Cusco, were placed under red alert due to weather conditions that increase the risk of forest fires. In Cusco alone, 78 fires have been reported so far this year, with more than 770 hectares affected.

Furthermore, the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (SENAMHI) issued an alert for extreme fire risk due to the persistence of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

These fires not only damage fragile ecosystems and unique species, but also have severe impacts on people’s health, pollute the air, and directly affect the communities that rely on the forest to survive.

Additionally, by releasing large amounts of carbon, fires accelerate the global climate crisis.

Forest firefighters strengthen the response to fires in the Peruvian Amazon

In this context, having trained and equipped response brigades is essential.

Recently, the first graduating class of forest firefighters in Madre de Dios marked a milestone for the region.

A total of 35 firefighters from the B-70 Madre de Dios, B-141 Laberinto, and B-228 Iberia stations successfully completed the course “Forest Firefighters and First Response in Trauma.”

This two-month training included online theoretical sessions and in-person practical training organized by the National Fire Department (INBP), the Volunteer Firefighters Corps of Peru, and the Forest Fire Response Program (PRIF).

Final evaluations were conducted in real-life scenarios, under the supervision of experienced instructors from the Academic Training Directorate (DIGEFA) and the Firefighters School Directorate (DEB) from Lima, Cusco, and Junín.

“At WWF Peru, we support this training process to build the capacities of forest firefighters in Madre de Dios as part of our commitment to protecting the Amazon and ensuring the well-being of those working on the front lines.

Additionally, we continue to work alongside the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP) on projects aimed at strengthening the response capacity to forest fires and promoting preventive measures,” said Edith Condori.

Protecting Amazonian forests is a collective responsibility

Preventing the loss of our forests to fire requires more than reaction: it demands institutional coordination, community-based prevention, and a long-term vision that places nature and people at its core.

Only then can we ensure that the Amazon remains alive, resilient, and capable of sustaining life for present and future generations.