Chad is experiencing a concerning rise in wildfire incidents, with the latest report indicating a new incident in the Salamat region on November 13, 2026. This comes amid a significant decline in the nation's tree cover, which has decreased by 7.80% over recent years. The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the majority of the tree cover reduction.
From 2001 to 2025, Chad has seen a marked increase in tree cover loss, with 2023 and 2024 recording the highest losses of approximately 11,067 and 13,092 hectares, respectively. Wildfires have also contributed to this trend, particularly in recent years, with 2024 and 2025 witnessing substantial losses due to fire incidents.
The net change in tree cover reflects a loss of 843,797 hectares, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land management practices. As Chad grapples with these environmental challenges, the latest wildfire incident underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate further ecological degradation.