Peru declares state of emergency over deadly forest fires

• Blazes have burnt 12,000 hectares, including five protected natural areas
• Endangered species under threat from fires that 'took us by surprise'

Peru has declared a state of emergency in seven districts in the north of the country where forest fires have killed two, injured four and burnt nearly 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres) of land, including five protected natural areas.

Wildfires have spread to 11 regions across the country, according to Peru's civil defence institute, in what scientists say may be the worst drought in more than a decade.