Amazon Wildfires Force School Closures in Manaus Amid Smoke Crisis

WHO:

Phys.org - Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon.

ABC News - The city government of Manaus suspended in-person work at municipal administrative offices.

WHAT:

Phys.org - Public schools in Manaus were closed due to smoke from wildfires.

ABC News - Public school classes were canceled in Manaus.

ABC News - The concentration of pollutants in Manaus averaged 196 micrograms per cubic meter, which is considered an unhealthy level.

ABC News - Brazil's National Institute for Space Research reported about 33,556 fire hotspots in the Brazilian Amazon this year, nearly 50% more than during the same period in 2025.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The events are occurring in Manaus, the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon.

ABC News - Fire hotspots were reported near Manaus and in southern Amazonas state, as well as near Santarem in neighboring Para state.

WHEN:

ABC News - The dry season in Brazil is approaching its peak.

ABC News - The Brazilian Amazon recorded about 33,556 fire hotspots this year as of Thursday.

ABC News - The El Niño effects on the region could be more severe in 2027.

WHY:

ABC News - Smoke from wildfires is disrupting daily life in Manaus due to worsening air quality.

ABC News - The serious situation threatens the health and quality of life of thousands of families in Manaus.

ABC News - El Niño is a cyclical climate phenomenon that normally raises temperatures and increases drought in the Amazon.

HOW:

ABC News - Brazil’s Environment Ministry deployed fire crews and aircraft to help fight fires in Amazonas state.

ABC News - The ministry notified owners of rural properties to take steps to prevent and fight wildfires.

(UPDATED October 10, 2026 13:05 UTC)

In Manaus, the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon, the city government has suspended in-person work at municipal administrative offices and closed public schools due to unhealthy air quality caused by smoke from wildfires. This year, Brazil's National Institute for Space Research reported about 33,556 fire hotspots in the Brazilian Amazon, nearly 50% more than during the same period in 2025, as the dry season approaches its peak and the effects of El Niño could worsen in 2027. To combat the fires, Brazil’s Environment Ministry has deployed fire crews and aircraft while also notifying rural property owners to take preventive measures against wildfires.