Paraguay declares national emergency as forest fires rage across Chaco
ASUNCION, Oct 7 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) – Paraguay’s Congress declared a national emergency as forest fires raged, burning vast swaths of the Chaco dry forest, home to sprawling cattle ranches, jaguars and many indigenous tribes.
The emergency declaration boosts funds for fire-fighting and opens the door to requesting international aid to tame the blazes, which have sprouted up throughout the country.
Authorities said two firefighting aircraft had arrived in the country and would douse the most heavily impacted regions.