Peru has imposed a state of emergency in many areas of the country due to an outbreak of forest fires . Endangered and rare species , including the black bear and jaguars , are now at risk . Fires are often used in the country to clear land for cultivation , with farmers relying on rains to put them out . However , fires are rare as the country suffers from arguably the worst drought in over a decade . Ecologists warn that such fires are becoming increasingly frequent and intense , possibly due to climate change , and have called for the creation of a rapid response contingency plan .
Peru has imposed a state of emergency in seven areas of the country due to an outbreak of forest fires. Endangered and rare species, including the spectacled bear and jaguars, are now at risk. Fires are often used in the country to clear land for cultivation, with people relying on rains to put them out. However, fires are spreading as the country suffers from arguably the worst drought in over a decade. Ecologists warn that such droughts are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, possibly due to climate change, and have called for the creation of a rapid response contingency plan.