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More than 74,000 fires have been detected in 2019 alone - with 10,000 sparking up in just a 48 hour period this week

So far this year, the equivalent of 228 megatonnes of carbon dioxide has been released - the highest level since 2010.

According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) satellite data showed an 83 percent increase in fires this year

Bolsonaro is coming under intense scrutiny and pressure to end the burning fires

Emmanuel MAcron threatened tbe EU would end a trade deal with South America if more was not done

The Brazilian army has now been drafted in to help stop the spread of fires

It is not known just hpw much land has been burned just yet, as the fires are still raging

Brazil is in the height of its dry season, mean the hot conditions are helping to fan the flames - although small spells of rain could help

Brazil’s Amazon basin is home to the largest tropical forest in the world, and a wealth of animal species - from insects to giant cats. The forest’s carbon store is vital to the process of slowing down the pace of global warming, as trees pull in more carbon dioxide than they put back into the atmosphere, according to a study undertaken by NASA in 2014. Wildfires are common in the Amazon’s dry season, but this year has seen record numbers of raging blazes in the region. More than 74,000 fires have been recorded in the Amazon Rainforest since January 2019. And the number keeps growing this year. In comparison, there were fewer than 40,000 fires for the same period in 2018. Read below for the latest updates on the Amazon rainforest fire, all times in BST.

Amazon Rainforest fire: More than 72,000 fires have churned the forest this year

10:48pm update: Is the Amazon at risk of collapse? Naturalist Paul Rosolie has said the Amazon is at risk of "collapsing." He told CBS News: "The Amazon is a loop. It's producing the moisture that creates all that rain that makes it a rainforest. "As we chop more of the rainforest down – and this has been going on for decades, this is not an isolated issue — as we chop more of the rainforest, what we're risking is reaching a tipping point, where that moisture system might be too dry to produce the rain. And then you have a serious problem on your hands, because you're talking about the entire Amazon sort of collapsing." 9.51pm update: How many troops are being deployed to help fight the fires? Brazil's Defence Minister Fernado Azevedo said around 44,000 troops will be available for "unprecedented" operations to put out the fires. Forces are being dispatched to six Brazilian states: Roraima, Rondonia, Tocantins, Para, Acre and Mato Grosso. The military's first mission will be the deployment of 700 troops to the area around Porto Velho, capital of Rondonia, Mr Azevedo said. He added that the military will use two C-130 Hercules aircraft capable of dumping up to 3,170 gallons of water on the fires. 8.49pm update: What has the response been from the Brazilian government? Brazil's leader, President Jair Bolsonaro, has ordered armed forces into the Amazon to fight the forest fires, amid international outrage over rising deforestation. He deployed soldiers in nature reserves, indigenous lands and border areas beset by fires. 7.39pm update: What is the rest of the world doing to help? The United Nations secretary general, world leaders and celebrities have expressed their deep concern about the situation. The Amazon is expected to be high on the agenda at the G7 summit over the weekend. It is likely a statement will be made about the situation by the Group of 7 at some point during the summit or upon its conclusion. 5.32pm update: Are fake photographs being shared? The hashtag #AmazonRainforest was trending this week on Twitter, with many sharing images of the burning forest. But, not all of these photos actually reflect the current state of the forest. Many celebrities including Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, have posted misleading pictures of the Amazon rainforest fires. READ MORE: How to spot fake Amazon rainforest pictures? 4.19pm update: How much of the Amazon is being deforested? In July 2019, 73 sq ft (28.2 sq miles) of the Amazon rainforest was deforested every day - that is the equivalent of an area larger than Greater London in one month. July saw a loss of 870 sq miles - an increase of 278 percent on the same month last year. Scientists have said this year could be the first in 10 years where 10,000 sq km (3861 sq miles) of the Amazon rainforest are lost. 3.06pm update: Does this happen every year? Wildfires in the Amazon are common during the dry season, but this year the rate of wildfires in some reasons has dramatically risen. Usually the worst-affected state in Brazil is Amazonas, where the peak day this month was 700 percent higher than the average for the same date over the past 15 years. 1.19pm update: How many animals live in the Amazon rainforest? According to WorldAtlas.com, the Amazon rainforest is home to more than 2,000 species of animals. Some of these live solely in the trees - like the golden tamarin - while others find their homes on the forest floor or the Amazon river. There are 427 mammal species, 1,300 bird species, 378 species of reptiles, and more than 400 species of amphibians.

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12pm update: Almost one million square miles affected by fires An estimated measure done by Express.co.uk shows approximately 640 million acres have been affected by the fire. Based on Google’s alert system, the area surrounded by the fire covers more than half of Brazil. Five states suffered more forest fires this year: Fires in the mid-western state of Mato Grosso soared by 260 percent than last year, which is responsible for almost 20 percent of all the forest fires registered in the whole country from January to August. In addition, the number of forest fires in Rondonia, Para and Acre in the northern region grew by 198 percent, 188 percent and 176 percent respectively. Rio de Janeiro in the southeastern region saw a 173-percent growth. 10.20am update: Why are there fires? Brazilian journalist Silio Boccanera argues that some fires at this time of year are to be expected, as Brazil is currently in the peak of its dry season. But many of the fires are believed to have been started deliberately - and Bolsonaro has been accused of turning a blind eye on deforestation. He added: "So it's a combination of natural phenomena with locals feeling comfortable enough to do it because the government has not made any effort to prevent it." 9.50am update: How has Bolsonaro encouraged illegal fire-starting practices? Environmental groups have placed the blame for the spreading fires squarely on Bolsonaro's shoulders. They believe the Brazilain President, who was elected in October 2018, endangered the Amazon by relaxing environmental controls and encouraging deforestation. His campaign promises included a pledge to restore the economy - and, since his election, has cut the budget of the nation's environmental enforcement agency by $23 million. Carlos Rittl, executive secretary of Observatorio do Clima, told CNN en Español the blame was firmly on the President. He claimed Bolsonaro's promises, action and general pro-business stance may have emboldened ranchers, farmers and loggers and helped to encourage them to seize control of Amazon land.

Amazon rainforest fires: Global condemnation has reached fever pitch

10.40am update: Facts about the Amazon rainforest The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests and comprises the largest and most biodiverse tract of tropical rainforest in the world. An estimated 390bn individual trees divided into 16,000 species have their home in the forest. The rainforest has been in existence for at least 55 million years. One in ten known species in the world lives in the Amazon rainforest: This constitutes the largest collection of living plants and animal species in the world. 9am update: Bolsonaro finally sends in the army European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified. Protest have broken out across the globe over Bolsonaro’s role in the unfolding environmental crisis, caused by illegal fires started by cattle ranchers - a process supposedly encouraged by the President. Bolsonaro had previously said he would send in just 40 firefighters to tackle the blaze. But as EU ager rises, his administration have launched a major charm offensive as Bolsonaro pledged to mobilise the army to help combat the blazes. 8am update: Meat could be to blame for Amazon fires The vast majority of the fires have been set deliberately due to cattle ranching - clearing away trees illegally to make more room for their stock. While illegal, the practice is on the rise - and many say is being encouraged by Jair Bolsonaro. Finland's finance minister has now called on the European Union to "urgently review the possibility of banning Brazilian beef imports" over the Amazon fires. Brazil is the world's largest exporter of beef, providing almost 20 percent of the total global exports, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A total of 1.64 million tonnes of beef was shipped out of Brazil last year, generating $6.57 billion in revenue, according to the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec),

NASA has released further satellite images of the fire

2.45m update: Brazil sends in troops President Bolsonaro has issued a decree sending in troops to combat the blaze. Soldiers will be present in nature reserves, indigenous lands and border regions. He explained: "I've learned as a military man to love the Amazon forest and I want to help protect it." 2.00am update: More leaders respond US President Donald Trump has tweeted he has spoken to President Bolsonaro about Washington-Brasilia trade and added: "I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" The UN Secreatry General Antonio Guterres had previously tweeted: "I’m deeply concerned by the fires in the Amazon rainforest. In the midst of the global climate crisis, we cannot afford more damage to a major source of oxygen and biodiversity. "The Amazon must be protected." 12.00am update: Finland calls for beef boycott Earlier today, Finland's finance ministry released a statement saying: “Finance Minister Mika Lintila condemns the destruction of Amazon rainforests and suggests that the EU and Finland should urgently review the possibility of banning Brazilian beef imports." Finland has been an EU member since 1995 and currently holds the bloc's rotating chairmanship.

Amazon Rainforest fire: Protests have broken out over Bolsonaro's perceived involvement

Friday, August 23 11.00pm update: Bernie Sanders criticises Trump Democratic presidential nomination candiadate Bernie Sanders has tweeted: "The inaction and denialism of Trump and Bolsonaro are threatening not just our lives, but also future generations. "Americans and Brazilians must come together to defeat these rightwing demagogues and act immediately to save the planet—our only home—from climate catastrophe." Mr Sanders retweeted a post from author Naomi Klein claiming: "As we watch the Amazon burn, remember: Jair Bolsonaro's presidency is itself a crime scene. He is only in power because of a series of illegal coups - first against Dilma, then Lula, who would have easily defeated Bolsonaro at the polls. Before Brazil burned, it was stolen." 9.00pm update: Brazil may send military into rainforest Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has said he might send the military to battle the massive blazes engulfing the Amazon amid an international outcry. Mr Bolsonaro said: “That’s the plan.” He did not say when the armed forces would get involved but suggested that action could be imminent.

Amazon Rainforest fire: The blazes continue to spread

6.00pm update: Varadkar wades into row and vows to VETO EU deal with Brazil Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar has threatened to pull the plug on the controversial EU-Mercosur deal unless Brazil takes steps to protect its rainforests. The warning from Dublin comes amid rising global concerns about the wildfires raging across the Amazon region. Brazilian federal experts reported a record number of forest fires across the country this year - up 84 percent over the same period in 2018. Satellite images show smoke from the Amazon reaching across the Latin American continent to the Atlantic coast and Sao Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. Mr Varadkar said: “There is no way that Ireland will vote for the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement if Brazil does not honour its environmental commitments. “I am very concerned that this year has seen record levels of destruction of Amazonian forests by fire. “President Jair Bolsonaro’s efforts to blame the fires on environmental NGOs is Orwellian. “His statement that Brazil will stay in the Paris accords on climate change ‘for now’ will raise antennas across Europe. “The Mercosur deal is two years away from a vote on approval in Europe. During the course of these two years, we will monitor closely Brazil’s environmental actions. “There is no way we can tell Irish and European farmers to use fewer pesticides, less fertiliser, embrace biodiversity and plant more of their land, and expect them to do it, if we do not make trade deals contingent on decent environmental, labour and product standards. “The political agreement on Mercosur does that. We’ll monitor closely if they mean it.”

Amazon rainforest fires: Satellite images show the sheer extent of the smoke

2.43pm update: Lib Dems threaten to block Brazil deal over Amazon rainforest crisis The Liberal Democrats have threatened to block any future deal with Brazil unless the President backs down over the Amazon deforestation crisis. The Lib Dem Brazilian delegation lead, Jane Brophy, has sent a damning letter to President Bolsonaro demanding immediate action over the Amazon rainforest crisis. Brazilian delegation lead and Liberal Democrat MEP Jane Brophy said in a letter to Mr Bolsonaro: "The Amazon rainforest is one of our most precious natural resources and of unimaginable global importance. "Our international economics must change to recognise humanity is collectively making a huge error in destroying this vital asset. "Your administration has not just been a mere bystander in the unfolding crisis, but it has actively made the situation worse. "This has not happened by coincidence. Your actions in government have served to encourage deforestation on a mass scale. "I will, therefore, be encouraging my MEP colleagues to call for further guarantees from your government, before any trade deal is ratified. “I cannot in good conscience ratify any trade deal between the EU and Mercosur, as long as such practises continue. I have no doubt that many of my colleagues will share that sentiment."

2.35pm update: World’s first crowdfunded 'protest forest’ launched in response to Amazon fires Reforestation and carbon offsetting platform Offset.Earth is planting the world's first crowdfunded 'protest forest’ in response to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's treatment of the rainforests, calling on people to join them to take action in response to the record forest fires raging in the region. Thousands of trees have already been donated to a forest named after the Brazilian President, whom the non-profit organisation believes to be “tree enemy number one”. Since its private launch just two months ago, the organisation has already planted nearly 80,000 trees. Donations for Jair Bolsonaro’s tree forest can be made HERE. 1.31pm update: World leaders increasingly worried about the situation Irish prime minister Leo Vardakar said: "There is no way that Ireland will vote for the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement if Brazil does not honour its environmental commitments." German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the fires as "shocking and threatening" and said she was convinced the issue should be on the G7's agenda, her spokesman said. 1.22pm update: Boris Johnson ‘deeply concerned’ at Amazon fires Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “deeply concerned” at the fires raging in the Amazon rainforest. He has vowed to push for a renewed focus on tackling climate change at the G7 summit this weekend. The prime minister called for international action to protect the world's rainforests after the "tragic loss of these precious habitats" in a statement released by Downing Street.

The Amazon rainforest in numbers

12.10pm update: Bolsonaro says countries “interfere with our sovereignty” Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said in a Facebook live broadcast countries that give money to preserve the Amazon rainforest do not do it for charity, but to “interfere with our sovereignty.” Mr Bolsonaro also acknowledged for the first time farmers might be involved in lighting fires in the region. 11.46am update: Greenpeace react to Amazon forest fires Greenpeace has reacted to the number of fire outbreaks recorded in the Amazon in 2019. Danicley Aguiar of Greenpeace Brazil said: “Those who destroy the Amazon and let deforestation continue unabated are encouraged in doing so by the Bolsonaro government’s actions and policies. “Since taking office, the current government has been systematically dismantling Brazil’s environmental policy.” 10.55am update: Image shows indigenous family in devastation Indigenous people from the Mura tribe shows a deforested area near Humaita in Brazil. Their homeland has been destroyed by deforestation with just dry soil and fallen timber left. Thiago Parintintin, a member of the Mura tribe who lives in an indigenous reserve near Humaita said: "All you can see is smoke. It didn’t use to be like this."

Amazon rainforest fire: Indigenous people from the Mura tribe shows a deforested area

9.25am update: More than 2,500 fires in 48 hours More than 2,500 fires are active in the Brazilian Amazon, the BBC reports. The official figures show more than 75,000 forest fires were recorded in Brazil in the first eight months of the year. That compares with less than 40,000 in the same period in 2018. Read more about how many fires and how bad it really is in the Amazon HERE. 8.11am update: Bolsonaro hits back at Macron Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, who bristles at the idea of foreign interference in the Brazilian Amazon, hit back at Emmanuel Macron after the French president tweeted the Amazon is in an "international crisis". Mr Bolsonaro tweeted: “I regret that president Macron seeks to take advantage of what is a domestic Brazilian issue and of other Amazonian countries for personal political gain.” 7.13am update: Macron warns ‘our house is burning’ French President Emmanuel Macron has said the record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest is an "international crisis" ahead of the G7 summit, adding it needs to be on the top of the agenda. Mr Macron tweeted: “Our house is burning. Literally. The Amazon rain forest - the lungs which produces 20% of our planet’s oxygen - is on fire. “It is an international crisis. Members of the G7 Summit, let's discuss this emergency first order in two days! #ActForTheAmazon.” Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Mr Macron is using the issue for "political gain". He said calls to discuss the fires at the G7 summit, which Brazil is not participating in, evoke "a misplaced colonialist mindset". Amalie Henden taking over live reporting from Georgina Laud

Amazon rainforest fire: Macron has warned 'our house is one fire'

August 22 9.57pm update: More information on the probe into the spike in deforestation and forest fires Prosecutors also said they will investigate an ad reportedly published by a local newspaper last week encouraging farmers to participate in a "Fire Day," in which they would burn large areas of forest "to show Bolsonaro their willingness to work." The probe is being led by prosecutors in the cities of Santarem, Itaituba, Altamira and Belem. 9.35pm update: Recap on the latest in the Amazon More than 72,000 fires have been recorded in the Amazon Rainforest since January 2019

Thousands of acres have been burned and destroyed by the numerous wildfires sweeping Brazil

Shocking maps show the true extent of the blaze, which have coated more than half of Brazil in smoke

San Paolo turned dark and stormy today when thick smoke from the fires descended on the busy city

Brazil federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the surge in deforestation and forest fires in the Amazon

President Bolsonaro says there are not enough resources to put out the fires

Fires are also raging in nearby Bolivia 9.12pm update: Retired NASA astronaut Scott Kelly pleads to save the Amazon Mr Kelly tweeted: “Deforestation changes the face of our planet. "Between my first flight in 1999 and last in 2016, I noticed a difference in the #Amazon. Less forest, more burning fields. “The #AmazonRainforest produces more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen. We need O2 to survive!”

Amazon rainforest fire: Brazil federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into deforestation

8.31pm update: Bolivia seek help from "Supertanker 747" fire-fighting plane to fight fires In Bolivia, more than 450,000 hectares (1.1 million acres), or roughly an area the size of the U.S. state of Delaware has burned, officials in San Cruz province estimate. Bolivian officials said on Thursday they were awaiting the arrival of a "Supertanker 747" fire-fighting plane in a last-ditch effort to tame the wildfires. Defense Minister Javier Zavaleta said: ”We believe that with this plane, we can put out the fire.” Mr Zavaleta did not specify how much land area continued to burn. Officials gave conflicting reports on when the fire-fighting plane was due to arrive in Bolivia. It was also unclear where the plane was currently stationed. 7.36pm update: Brazil federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the surge in deforestation and forest fires in the Amazon The prosecutors said on Thursday they will investigate a spike in deforestation and wildfires raging in the Amazon state of Para to determine whether there has been reduced monitoring and enforcement of environmental protections. The investigation announced by the prosecutors office in Para follows a surge in fires and destruction of the Amazon rainforest that experts blame on reduced protection of the environment under right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro.

Amazon Rainforest fire: The fires are concerning environmentalists

6.53pm update: Why NASA fears new wildfires will 'accelerate warming' of climate A NASA-funded study of wildfires in the Canadian Northwest Territories found a ticking time bomb threatening to release generations-old carbon deposits trapped in the soil. This part of Canada suffered devastating wildfires in 2014, which had an impact on the natural processes that bury and trap carbon in the ground. With the increased risk of forest fires from climate change, NASA said the trapped carbon dioxide could be released back into the atmosphere, “potentially accelerating warming”. Read More on this here. 6.39pm update: A petition to the Brazilian government has taken over Change.org At the time of writing, more than 798,000 people had signed a petition titled "Stop the burning of the Amazon rainforest" on Change.org. The petition summary urges the "Government in Brazil to mobilise and help us put an end to the burning of the Amazon rainforest." Its creator Lawyer Gabriel Santos calls for "the authorities to set up an inquiry to investigate what is leading to the increase in fires in this region and hold the culprits to account." 6.16pm update: Affect of deforestation on agriculture in Brazil Former agriculture minister and soybean baron Blairo Maggi told business daily Valor: “We are paying a very high price. Marcello Brito, the president of the Brazilian Agrobusiness Association, told Valor on Wednesday: “Agribusiness sectors who know that this [rising deforestation] is going to create problems for market access, for product price, are beginning to mobilise."

Amazon rainforest fire: Smoke rising from fires continuing to blaze in the Amazon rainforest

5.44pm update: NASA statement on staggering satellite images NASA said: “This natural-colour image of smoke and fires in several states within Brazil including Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Rondônia was collected by NOAA/NASA's Suomi NPP using the VIIRS – Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite – instrument on August 20, 2019. “It is not unusual to see fires in Brazil at this time of year due to high temperatures and low humidity. “Time will tell if this year is a record-breaking or just within normal limits.” 5.01pm update: Impact of Carbon Monoxide on humans Dr Diana Gall from Doctor4U explained to express.co.uk: “Carbon monoxide is one of the compounds produced by fire and is often the leading cause of deaths associated with smoke inhalation. “When carbon monoxide gets into the bloodstream it affects the red blood cells and replaces oxygen with this poisonous gas. “As carbon monoxide is carried around your body it can cause permanent damage to your vital organs and even death. “You can’t see carbon monoxide and it’s odourless so you may not be aware that you’ve been exposed to it. “It’s so important to know the signs of carbon monoxide which are usually a headache, feeling nauseous or vomiting, having difficulty breathing, dizziness and weakness, feeling confused and losing consciousness. “The difficulty with these warning signs is that they can be subtle and mistaken for another cause, but if you do have any of these symptoms it’s best to get checked out by a doctor urgently.” 4.28pm update: Bolivia also tackling huge forest fires Bolivian authorities have this week issued a warning that 70 percent of the department of Santa Cruz is under "extreme risk" from forest fires. This area is home to more than a quarter of the country's population. According to government figures, nearly 500,000 hectares of forest have now been turned into ashes. Blazes are burning in the Chiquitania area - which borders with Brazil and Paraguay. Bolivia’s President Evo Morales announced on Wednesday that a new environmental emergency cabinet has been created to tackle the flames. 3.57pm update: President Bolsonaro slams the Paris climate accord On Wednesday, Mr Bolsonaro also took aim at the Paris climate accord, saying that if it were so good, the United States would have stayed in it. But he added that for the time being, Brazil would remain in the pact. French President Emmanuel Macron warned in June he would not sign the EU-Mercosur trade treaty if Bolsonaro pulled Brazil out of the Paris accord. Earlier this month, Norway and Germany suspended funding for projects to curb deforestation in Brazil after becoming alarmed by changes to the way projects were selected under Bolsonaro.

Amazon Rainforest fire LIVE: Flames can be seen at a roadside in Brazil

3.01pm update: President Bolsonaro says there are not enough resources to put out the fires President Bolsonaro said on Thursday that the government lacks the resources to fight wildfires in the Amazon rainforest after satellite images showed a record number of burning spots this year. In a speech broadcast live on Facebook, the president said the government is investigating the fires. Scientists are worried the rainforest is approaching an “irreversible tipping point”. The Amazon rainforest generates more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen and is often referred to as “the lungs of the planet”. The world would drastically change if the rainforest were to disappear, impacting everything from farming to the water we drink. Georgina Laud takes over live reporting from Amalie Henden 2.24pm update: ‘Blame humans’ for fire Environmental organisations and researchers say the wildfires in the Amazon rainforest were set by cattle ranchers and loggers who want to clear and utilise the land. This has been emboldened by the country's pro-business president Jair Bolsonaro. Christian Poirier, the program director of non-profit organization Amazon Watch, told CNN: "The vast majority of these fires are human-lit.” He added that even during dry seasons, the Amazon -- a humid rainforest -- doesn't catch on fire easily. 1.07pm update: Photos of fire on social media fake With hashtags including #prayforamazonia, #PrayForTheAmazon and #AmazonRainforest trending on Twitter, an issue has emerged. Although the fires in the Amazon are very real, most of the photos claiming to show the fires are fakes. Many of the viral images that purportedly show the Amazon blazes are actually from different fires. 1.03pm: How to engage on social media The hashtag #prayforamazonia has emerged as a global Twitter trend for the fires in the Amazon with more than 150,000 references to the fires. In addition, #PrayForTheAmazon has so far been used more than 250,000 times on the social network. 12.53pm update: Brazil's environment minister heckled over Amazon fires Brazil's environment minister, Ricardo Salles, has been heckled at a meeting on climate change over the record number of fires in the Amazon. Some of those at Wednesday's meeting shouted "the Amazon region is burning", as Mr Salles stepped on to the podium. Conservationists have blamed Brazil's government for the 83 percent increase in fires this year.

Amazon rainforest fire: The map shows the extent of the wildfires

12.33pm update: Quick facts about the Amazon The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has provided some quick facts about the Amazon

The Amazon biome is twice the size of India

The Amazon river is over 4,100 miles (6,600km) long

It harbours 10 percent of the world´s known species

It is home to 350 ethnic groups

17 percent of the forest cover has been lost in the last 50 years 11.54am update: How can you help? Although there’s little you can do to help stop the fires, there are other ways you can help the Amazon rainforest. Donate to Rainforest Action Network to protect an acre of the Amazonian rainforest. Donate to the Rainforest Trust to help buy land in the rainforest. Donate to Ecosia.org - a search engine that plants a tree for every 45 searches you run. Donate to Amazon Watch, an organisation that protects the rainforest, defends indigenous rights and works to address climate change. Contact your elected officials and make your voice heard.

Amazon Rainforest fire LIVE: The shocking extent of the fires across the Amazon

11.33am update: Report: Wildfires threaten vital carbon A new report has suggested increasing wildfires threaten to turn much of the Earths forests from vital carbon stores into climate heaters. According to a study published in the journal Nature this week, wildfires release vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air and temporarily prevent carbon from accumulating in the trees and soil. As part of the natural carbon cycle, the lost carbon is stored again by new trees, which use CO2 from the air. It can take decades until all the carbon that was emitted during a fire is recaptured by the ecosystem. 11.16am update: Is there any attempt to stop the Amazon fires? Scientist Carlos Nobre from Sao Paolo University says not much is being done "because the use of fire is a traditional part of tropical agriculture in order to clean up agricultural land, grazing land" making it very difficult to stop. He added: "For many years, there were periods in which fire was prohibited, but unfortunately most of the farmers and cattle ranchers do not abide by those legal instruments. "They get fined, but it does not work. Fires are increasing. There is a culture in the agricultural sector in the Amazon to use fire extensively and intensively." 10.45am update: The Amazon rainforest in numbers Almost 73,000 fires since January 2019

Amazon rainforest produces 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen

If it was a country it would be the 9th largest in the world

Home to 1milion indigenous people and 3 million plant and animal species

Spans across 8 rapidly developing countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana

1.4 billion acres of dense forests, half of the planet's remaining tropical forests

4,100 miles of winding rivers

2.6 million square miles in the Amazon basin, about 40 percent of South America

The rain forests contain 90 to 140 billion metric tons of carbon

It’s home to one in ten known species on Earth

Amazon rainforest fires: President Bolsonaro has blamed NGOs for the fires

9.55am update: Is the Amazon approaching an irreversible tipping point? Scientists are worried the rainforest is approaching an “irreversible tipping point”. The Amazon rainforest generates more than 20 percent of the world’s oxygen and is often referred to as “the lungs of the planet”. The world would drastically change if the rainforest were to disappear, impacting everything from farming to the water we drink. Scientists warn that the forest is in growing danger of degrading into a savannah, severely diminishing its capacity to absorb carbon. Philip Fearnside, a professor at Brazil’s National Institute of Amazonian Research said: “It’s very important to keep repeating these concerns. “There are a number of tipping points which are not far away. We can’t see exactly where they are, but we know they are very close. “It means we have to do things right away. Unfortunately that is not what is happening. There are people denying we even have a problem.”

Amazon rainforest fires: The devastation covers almost a mile square miles