Guatemala grapples with widespread forest fires

In the wake of numerous forest blazes, Guatemala's President declares a natural disaster.

In short:

President Bernardo Arévalo announced that human activities started 80% of the ongoing 44 forest fires.
Educational activities in three provinces were suspended to shield students from smoke hazards.
The disaster declaration will increase financial support for firefighting initiatives.

Key quote:

"The current situation is not a coincidence, 80% of those fires were set."

— Bernardo Arévalo, President of Guatemala

Why this matters:

Farmers using the practice of field burning—also known as slash-and-burn agriculture—can inadvertently start wildfires, especially in regions like Guatemala where this technique is common. This traditional method involves clearing land for agriculture by cutting down vegetation and then burning the remains. However, fires intended to burn only a designated area can quickly spread out of control under dry and windy conditions, leading to wildfires that can consume large areas of forest, agricultural lands, and even encroach on populated areas.

Fire is a necessary part of ecosystems; we should follow Indigenous cultural fire practices for healthier, abundant forests and to reverse more than a century of damage, according to researchers.

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