USAID sent a team to Paraguay to provide technical and other support to help fight ongoing fires.

USAID

Key Developments

Lack of rain, compounded by strong wind and slash-and-burn agricultural techniques, triggered wildland fires in Paraguay’s Alto Paraguay, Amambay, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Concepcion, Presidente Hayes, and San Pedro departments—damaging more than 596,000 acres of forests, grasslands, and crops. The fires had affected approximately 4,000 people as of September 20, with an estimated 70,000 people at risk should the fires spread. The Government of Paraguay (GoP) deployed firefighters and military personnel to combat the fires; the GoP also provided basic assistance, including food and water, and local authorities and landowners assisted with the response and relocated people living in areas at risk. On September 12, the GoP requested U.S. assistance to help address the wildfires.

On September 20, U.S. Ambassador Lee McClenny declared a disaster due to the effects of the wildfires. In response, USAID has provided more than $660,000 in services and assistance to support Paraguay’s firefighting efforts. USAID also deployed a team of USAID and U.S. Forest Service experts to Paraguay to provide temporary technical assistance in areas such as fire suppression tactics. In addition, USAID is sending firefighting tools like axes and rakes and personal protective equipment including fire resistant shirts, pants, gloves, helmets and goggles for more than 2,000 firefighters.

Background

Paraguay is prone to a variety of natural hazards, particularly seasonal floods and droughts. When these disasters require an international response, USAID works with non-governmental organizations to address humanitarian needs and complement government relief efforts. Since 2004, USAID has responded to 10 disasters in Paraguay, including droughts, floods, forest fires, and a yellow fever outbreak. USAID also supports ongoing disaster risk reduction activities and capacity-building initiatives for disaster response across the South America region.