NASA tracks rising fire activity across the central and eastern Amazon

NASA's Earth Observatory described signs of increasing Amazon fires and smoke emissions in a report published on 15 October 2026. The observations focus on central and eastern parts of the rainforest.

Satellite records showed a marked rise in activity from September. According to the report, dryness associated with El Niño has made forests more susceptible to burning. Affected areas extend around Manaus and Santarém towards the mouth of the Amazon River.

Scientists cited in the report described the region as entering the early stages of a potentially prolonged and intense fire season. That assessment concerns future risk; it is not a final measurement of the area damaged. Updated satellite monitoring is needed to track how conditions develop.