Gran Chaco's wildfires surge as farming and drought fuel record destruction

Wildfires have burned at least two-thirds of South America's Gran Chaco region since 1985. The surge in fires is closely tied to farming expansion, particularly for soy and cattle. A new study now highlights how drought and land-clearing practices are worsening the problem. The Gran Chaco, a vast dry forest spanning Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, has faced growing fire activity. Between 2020 and 2024, over 5 million hectares burned annually—more than double the average of previous decades. Researchers link this rise to increased deforestation for agriculture, combined with severe droughts.

Farmers often use fire to clear land quickly and cheaply, especially during dry spells. Soy production and cattle ranching drive much of this activity, as land is converted for crops and grazing. The practice has accelerated since 2020, pushing fire damage to record levels. The study's findings come as the EU prepares to enforce new rules on deforestation-free supply chains. From late 2026, imports of soy and beef from land cleared after December 2020 will be banned. Scientists say the data can help track compliance, ensuring products entering Europe meet the regulations.

The Gran Chaco's fire crisis reflects the combined impact of agricultural expansion and climate conditions. With stricter EU import rules approaching, the study offers a way to verify whether farmland meets deforestation standards. The region's future fire risks will depend on how land-use policies adapt to these pressures.