Brazil's president starts army to fight flames in the Amazon

A decree issued by President Bolsonaro authorises the presence of soldiers in forest spaces and border areas throughout the region. This announcement comes after constant pressure from European leaders. Bolsonaro has criticised the reaction of other states, stressing that fire cannot be used as a pretext for imposing sanctions.

These statements come after France and Ireland said they would not ratify a trade agreement with the South American states until Brazil does not take measures to fire in the Amazon. Fire and smoke in these forests have caused power cuts in the city of São Paulo on Monday.

This one - day break has been the result of strong winds that have covered Amazon and Rondonija cities with smoke, in which more than 2,700 miles [2,700 km] of forest space have been burned. Environmentalists have blamed Bolsonaron for the situation, saying he has encouraged loggers and farmers to deforestate the land.

Bolsonaro could face international sanctions. Finland's Finance Minister has called on the European Union to ban Brazil's meat imports. The Amazon, which is otherwise known as the world's <x0). / TCH