Wildfires

Wildfires - Bolivia

Wildfires in Bolivia have torched two million hectares (4.9 million acres) of forest and grassland since August, including some environmentally protected areas, officials said Monday.

Environmentalists blame laws enacted under President Morales, who has encouraged burning of forest and pasture land to expand agricultural production. The government attributes the blazes to dry weather and winds.

Bolivia's government recently authorized farmers to burn 20 hectares (almost 50 acres) instead of the usual five hectares (12 acres) -- which is believed to have contributed to thousands of wildfires.