Brazilian third division match halted by fires

RIO DE JANEIRO - A Brazilian Serie C football match was temporarily halted because of smoke from wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

The clash between Atletico Acreano and Luverdense was stopped in the 25th minute when players complained to match officials about poor visibility and breathing difficulties.

Videos posted on social media showed several players from both teams covering their faces with their shirts to avoid inhaling smoke.

The match resumed after a 20 minute break, during which some players required medical treatment, according to the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper.

Hosts Atletico Acreano won the fixture 3-2.

On Saturday, Acre governor Gladson Cameli declared a state of emergency because of the fires, which have affected several states and raised the concern of the international community.

Brazilian environmental authorities say there have been more than 26,000 fires in the Amazon region this month, the highest August figure since 2010.