ECI Senior Research Associate Dr Erika Berenguer has taken a new book on Amazon fire management directly to the communities at the heart of its work — travelling by boat, motorbike, quad bike and on foot as part of a multi-community book tour.
The free book, which brings together the experiences and knowledge of 60 authors, is the first of its kind to document firefighting techniques in the Amazon. It was co-organised by Dr Berenguer with Dr Waira Machida from IPAM (Instituto de Pesquisa Ambiental da Amazônia) and João Romano from the Alter do Chão Fire Brigade.
The authors include Indigenous and volunteer firefighters, members of private brigades, researchers, public servants from environmental agencies and representatives from Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment.
The team travelled through Indigenous and riverside communities to share the book and strengthen local brigades ahead of this year’s El Niño, which can increase the risk of severe fires.
The journey involved a combination of transport across the Amazon landscape — including a large boat, motorboat, motorcycles, quadbike and plenty of walking — reflecting the challenges of reaching communities spread across this vast region.
Dr Berenguer said:
This is the first book ever focused on fire combat in humid forests. We hope this can be an aid ahead of this year burning season, which is bound to be strong given the El Niño.”
The book tour highlights the importance of combining scientific research with local and Indigenous knowledge to support communities managing increasing fire risks in the Amazon.
Download a free copy: Combating forest fires in the Amazon – Dense Ombrophilous Forests. SUSTAINABLE AMAZON NETWORK, University of Oxford and IPAM (2026)
