Amazon fires decreased in September, but scientists aren't sure why

Amazon Fire.
(Image credit: CARL DE SOUZA/Getty Images)

After August saw a nine-year high in the number of fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest, garnering international attention, September saw a significant drop. But scientists aren't sure why.

Typically the peak of dry season, there are usually more fires in September in Brazil. But this year, there was a 35 percent drop in fires from the month before, and a 20 percent drop from September 2018, reports The Washington Post.

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Taylor Watson

Taylor Watson is audience engagement editor for TheWeek.com and a former editorial assistant. She graduated from Syracuse University, with a major in magazine journalism and minors in food studies and nutrition. Taylor has previously written for Runner's World, Vice, and more.