Disaster · Wildfire · Impact 2 Notable

Brazil probes whether Amazon wildfire surge was set deliberately ahead of presidential runoff

16 Oct 2026, 15:45 UTC · ≈ Amazon rainforest, Brazil · single source so far

Brazilian authorities are investigating whether a recent surge in Amazon rainforest wildfires was set on purpose for political motives. The runoff of the presidential election is due later this month.

Location: ≈ Amazon rainforest, Brazil · Brazil live map
Coordinates: ≈ 3.47°S 62.22°W
Reported: 16 Oct 2026, 15:45 UTC
Category: Disaster · Wildfire
Impact: 2 of 5 · Notable
Situation: Brazil politics

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Brazil politics right now

■ Steady

Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro about even in poll before Sunday's run-off

A poll published on Saturday shows the race between President Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro has tightened in recent days ahead of the run-off on October 25. Bolsonaro beat Lula in the first round by a little over two million votes. About 21 percent of adults did not vote in that round.

Both candidates are courting about 30 million undecided voters.
Lula accuses Meta of favouring Flávio Bolsonaro and says his rival should be disqualified. Meta denies the claim.

Updated 24 Oct 2026, 15:59 UTC · Written by Claude from the reports on this page and on the map. Check the linked sources for full details.

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