# Widespread forest fires and fatalities in Peru > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fires-in-ayacucho-and-cusco-peru > Updated: 2026-10-22T04:32:53.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 5. The forest fire crisis in Peru has escalated, resulting in significant human casualties and widespread regional impact. According to the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci), at least 12 deaths have been recorded, with fatalities distributed across Cusco (4), Cajamarca (3), Apurímac (2), Pasco (2), and Puno (1). Additionally, 832 people have been affected by respiratory issues, burns, or displacement. Significant damage has been reported in Áncash, Apurímac, Cusco, and Junín. In Cusco, fires have threatened agricultural and livestock livelihoods, affecting over 11,350 hectares. In Ayacucho, the Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER) reports that 120 fires occurred since late June, with October marking a critical surge; specifically, 103 fires were recorded in less than 20 days of October, heavily impacting the Huanta and Vilcas Huamán provinces. Authorities attribute the rapid spread to rising temperatures, lack of rainfall, and agricultural burning. While some fires in Cajamarca and Huancavelica are under control, active blazes persist in Junín, Apurímac, and Cusco. Nationally, the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) has reported 51 fires across 13 regions, though satellite monitoring from Serfor suggests the impact may extend to 16 regions. In Puno, the Peruvian Navy recently controlled a fire affecting more than 200 hectares of natural reed coverage in the Chulluni and Chimú sectors of the Los Uros islands on Lake Titicaca. Deployed with specialized equipment, the naval patrol boat PL-296 Ramis assisted in extinguishing the blaze, which had reactivated in previously intervened sectors. No injuries or fatalities were reported in this incident. ## Claims - Ayacucho has recorded 120 forest fires between June 23 and October 14. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Forest fires in Ayacucho have affected approximately 3,000 hectares of natural vegetation and killed 18 cattle. (corroborated by 2 sources) - COEN reported 51 forest fires across 13 regions in Peru as of October 13. (single source) - Serfor satellite monitoring indicates active fires spanning up to 16 regions in Peru. (single source) - Seven districts in the Huancavelica region reported forest fires on the same day. (single source) - A forest fire in Moquegua's San Cristóbal de Calacoa district was controlled after five days. (single source) - Serfor has successfully planted 3.5 million commercial trees across several Peruvian regions. (single source) - Forest fires in Peru have caused 12 deaths. (single source) - More than 830 people have been affected by burns, respiratory issues, or displacement. (single source) - Cusco has recorded 340 forest fires so far this year as of October 14. (single source) - Over 11,350 hectares have been affected by fire in Cusco. (single source) - The Serfor Early Warning System for Forest Fires is experiencing technical problems. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Separate fires reported in Chile and Peru A house was destroyed by a suspected lightning strike in Yungay, Chile, while a forest fire near Lake Titicaca in Peru destroyed 200 hectares of natural land. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/separate-fires-reported-in-chile-and-peru ### 2026-10-22: Peruvian Navy controls fire affecting 200 hectares in Lake Titicaca The Peruvian Navy used specialized patrol boats to control a fire affecting over 200 hectares of natural vegetation near the Los Uros islands on Lake Titicaca. No casualties were reported. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peruvian-navy-controls-fire-affecting-200-hectares-in-lake-titicaca ### 2026-10-20: Peru forest fires cause 12 deaths and widespread damage Forest fires in Peru have killed 12 people and affected over 830 others, causing extensive damage to crops and forests in regions including Cusco, Ayacucho, and Junín. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peru-forest-fires-kill-12-as-heavy-rains-approach ### 2026-10-14: Peru faces widespread forest fires across multiple regions Peru is battling widespread forest fires, with Ayacucho reporting 120 incidents and 3,000 hectares affected. National authorities monitor fires across multiple regions as emergency responses continue. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ayacucho-forest-fires-affect-3000-hectares-of-land ### 2026-10-11: Forest fire ravages crops and vegetation in Carapo, Ayacucho A massive forest fire in the Carapo district of Ayacucho, Peru, is destroying crops, beehives, and forests, threatening local livelihoods amid difficult dry weather conditions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forest-fire-ravages-crops-and-vegetation-in-carapo-ayacucho --- Cite as: Widespread forest fires and fatalities in Peru. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fires-in-ayacucho-and-cusco-peru