Smoke from fires forced school closures and disrupted public administration in Manaus, Brazil, on October 9, as air quality deteriorated. The city government suspended in-person work at municipal administrative offices, while UOL reported the cancellation of municipal school activities to protect students and staff.
The Amazonas state capital recorded an average pollutant concentration of 196.4 micrograms per cubic metre that morning, according to the city. Officials said smoke had arrived for several days from fires in the interior of Amazonas and other states, affecting families beyond the capital as well as residents within it.
Administrative employees were assigned to remote work so that public services suitable for online delivery could continue, the municipal statement said. Essential services remained operational, including basic health units, preserving access to local medical assistance despite the restrictions on office attendance.
UOL reported that the school suspension was an exceptional measure for Friday and also affected specialised service centres, municipal arts education centres and the Parque Cidade da Criança. The Federal University of Amazonas and the Federal Institute of Amazonas had already suspended in-person classes on Thursday because of polluted air.
The city's health department had warned in September that smoke, heat and poor air quality can cause eye and airway irritation, dehydration and lung and heart complications. It identified children, older people, pregnant women and people with existing illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis as particularly vulnerable.
UOL reported that authorities advised residents to use PFF2 masks, stay hydrated, avoid physical exercise and follow official alerts. The municipality said it was stepping up inspections, prevention and firefighting against urban burning, alongside air monitoring and assistance to residents, and pledged further measures to protect the population.
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