BRASILIA (REUTERS) - Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest fell in August from the same month a year ago, preliminary government data showed on Friday (Sept 11), even as fires in the region are worsening.

Roughly 1,359 sq km of jungle was cleared in August, an area larger than Los Angeles, according to space research agency Inpe. That's the fifth highest month on record, though 21 per cent lower than August 2019.

While monthly deforestation eases from a record peak last year, environmentalists say the destruction remains out of control.

"It simply did not repeat the disaster (of last year), but it's still extremely bad," said Mr Marcio Astrini, who leads Brazilian advocacy group Climate Observatory.

In the first eight months of the year, deforestation dropped 5 per cent from the same period last year to about 6,100 sq km.

Environmental advocates and scientists blame the policies of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro for soaring deforestation, with the five highest months on record for deforestation all occurring since he took office in January 2019.

They say Mr Bolsonaro has rolled back environmental protections and called for development of the Amazon, emboldening illegal loggers and land squatters to destroy the forest.

Mr Bolsonaro defends his policies, saying development will raise the region out of poverty. He has authorised the military to combat deforestation and forest fires from May to November this year.

Meanwhile, fires in the Amazon in the first 10 days of September are up 85 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to Inpe data.

"I saw the numbers. I'm scared," said Ms Ane Alencar, science director at Brazil's Amazon Environmental Research Institute (Ipam).

In August, fires likely reached a decade high, an Inpe scientist told Reuters.

Deforestation and forest fires this year have emitted 226 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to annual emissions of 48.8 million cars, according to a calculation by Ipam and US-based Woodwell Climate Research Centre.