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Brazil wildfires: Blaze advances across Pantanal wetlands

AFP / Mato Grosso do Sul State Government Birds fly near the burnt areas caused by forrest fires at the Pantanal ecoregion of BrazilAFP / Mato Grosso do Sul State Government
The wetlands are one of the most biodiverse regions in the world

A 50 kilometre-long (31 mile) wildfire is advancing across Brazil's Pantanal wetlands.

The governor's office in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul said the fire was "bigger than anything seen before" in the region.

At least 50,000 hectares of vegetation have already been destroyed.

The area, located in the southern part of the country, is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and a popular tourist destination.

The fire began on 25 October and is said to be advancing rapidly due to the combination of high temperatures and high winds.

The governor's office said in a statement that the situation was "critical". It also warned that visibility in the area is poor.

The governor has announced a 30-day moratorium on using fire for land clearance.

Firefighters are also using planes to tackle the fire from above.

AFP / Mato Grosso do Sul State Government A deer running in a burnt area caused by forest fires at the Pantanal ecoregion of BrazilAFP / Mato Grosso do Sul State Government
Over 8,000 fires have been recorded in the Pantanal
AFP / Mato Grosso do Sul State Government Firefighters walk next to a large forest fire in PantanalAFP / Mato Grosso do Sul State Government
At least 50,000 hectares of vegetation has already been destroyed

Over 8,000 fires have been recorded in the Pantanal until 30 October, up 462% on the same period last year.

Brazil has had a large number of forest fires this year. Official figures show more than 167,000 forest fires were recorded from January until 30 October this year.

Watch volunteer firefighters battling to save Brazil's Amazon rainforest