A severe wildfire erupted in the lush forests of Congo on September 1, 2026, and raged for nearly a week until September 10, causing extensive ecological damage.

The region has historically faced challenges with forest fires due to climate change-induced dry spells and human activities like slash-and-burn agriculture.

This event exacerbates the long-term vulnerability of Congo's forests, threatening biodiversity and contributing to carbon emissions that could further accelerate global warming.