The impacts of fire use in the Brazilian Amazon: a bibliometric analysis

The use of fire, essential in human evolution, has facilitated low-cost land management in the Amazon, albeit with significant environmental losses. Its uncontrolled use, exacerbated by climate change, intensifies environmental and socioeconomic challenges. This study explores the impacts of fire use in the Brazilian Amazon via bibliometric analysis, revealing trends, gaps and key areas of scientific relevance based on 192 articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Brazil has the highest scientific production (58%) and is a leader in scientific collaboration networks in this area. Topics such as ‘deforestation’ and ‘fire’ were central themes. Approximately 67% of studies focused on wildfires. The geographical distribution indicates that most studies (57%) are conducted on a regional scale, encompassing the entire Legal Amazon, and 15% focus on the state of Pará. The most common impacts associated with fire use in the Brazilian Amazon are ecological (35%). This study highlights the importance and complexity of the effects of fire use on the Amazon, underscoring the urgent need for policies that integrate sustainable management practices and fire governance. Promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration among various societal sectors is essential to developing practical solutions protecting Amazonian biodiversity and communities.