Satellites from the space administration have been tracking thick smoke and high temperatures from the record-breaking fires. According to a recent press release from NASA, surface temperatures in parts of Brazil and Bolivia have exceeded the maximum measurable temperature (220 degrees Fahrenheit) of their instrument’s sensor.
The photos, which were taken last week, covered portions of land roughly the size of a football field. The darkened areas show billowing smoke that obscures much of the fire from the satellite’s view. The red areas of the images are where the temperature surpassed 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
The record-breaking fires have caused global concern, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling them an “international crisis.”
“The United States stands ready to assist Brazil in its efforts to combat these fires, and did not agree to a joint G7 initiative that failed to include consultations with President (Jair) Bolsanaro,” Marquis said in a statement. “The most constructive way to assist is in coordination with the government of Brazil.”
Trump praised Bolsanaro for his handling of the fires, despite the international outcry over the Brazilian leader’s role in increased deforestation of the region and weakened environmental regulations.
