A severe forest fire erupted in The Democratic Republic of Congo on February 9, 2026, and raged until October 10, 2026, causing extensive damage to local ecosystems and communities.

The region has long been vulnerable to such disasters due to its dense forests and occasional dry spells exacerbated by climate change.

This prolonged fire event not only threatens biodiversity but also disrupts the livelihoods of indigenous populations who depend on these forests for their survival.