Fire in Chovoreca threatens ecosystems and indigenous communities in Paraguay.

The situation in the Chovoreca area, on the border with Bolivia, has taken an alarming turn due to a large-scale forest fire that has erupted and is already affecting the capital, Asunción, and many other regions of the country. This fire, which local residents say started last week, is the result of clearing work carried out on the Clemencia SA estate, allegedly owned by Brazilian Tomás Reis. The magnitude of the fire raises concerns not only due to its advance but also because of the environmental and social implications it is generating. Volunteer firefighters, who are on the front lines fighting the blaze, have expressed their fears for the indigenous communities settled in the Chaco territory. The area is home to indigenous groups such as the Totobiegosode and Silvícolas, who could be severely affected by the spread of the fire. The loss of their natural habitat poses a risk not only to their physical integrity but also to their culture and way of life, which are closely tied to the ecosystem. Testimonies from local residents reinforce the idea that the fire was intentional. They claim that the owner of the estate was warned about the dangers that burning could bring, especially in a context of dry weather and strong winds. However, it seems that these warnings were ignored, and the burning of collars and logs from felled trees continued, thus intensifying the ecological disaster. The environmental impact of this fire has been described as astonishing. Air pollution has reached harmful levels, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue recommendations to the public. Citizens are being urged to reduce outdoor activities that require exertion, as the air quality index has reached alarming figures. The weather is not favoring the situation, as temperatures in much of the country are expected to reach between 31 and 41 degrees Celsius. The Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology has forecast a hot environment throughout the week, which could further complicate firefighters' efforts to control the blaze. The lack of expected rainfall exacerbates the situation, creating a conducive environment for the fire's spread. Pollution in Asunción is particularly concerning, with PM2.5 concentrations reported at levels 16.8 times higher than the guideline values set by the World Health Organization. These suspended particles pose a significant risk to public health, affecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. From various sectors of society, voices of concern are rising, along with demands for immediate action to address both the fire situation and its consequences. Environmental activists and non-governmental organizations have called for the urgent intervention of authorities, not only to extinguish the fire but also to prevent future ecological disasters that threaten biodiversity and the lives of indigenous peoples. The international community is also beginning to pay attention to this case, as wildfires not only affect the countries involved but also have global repercussions in terms of climate change and biodiversity loss. Pressure is mounting for effective measures to be taken and for sustainable management of natural resources to be promoted, and it is expected that both the government and civil society will respond appropriately. In conclusion, the fire in the Chovoreca hill is an environmental tragedy that goes beyond the loss of flora and fauna. It is a call to action for everyone, from local authorities to the global community, to protect our planet and those who depend on it for their survival. Public health and the integrity of indigenous communities are at stake, and it is essential that immediate measures are taken to mitigate the effects of this crisis.