In Mato Grosso do Sul, outbreaks increased by 601%, for a total of 11,990 reports in 2024; In the Federal District the increase was 269%, with 318 outbreaks
Data from the Queimadas Program, of the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), already places 2024 as one of the years with the highest number of fires in the last decade. In September, more than 80 thousand outbreaks have already been recorded, approximately 30% more than the historical average, recorded since 1998 by INPE. Even if fires do not exceed historical averages in the last three months of the year, 2024 will set the highest number of fires since 2010, when 319,383 fires were recorded in Brazil.
The data indicates that this average can be exceeded, given that in the month of September there was an increase of 311%, going from 18 thousand outbreaks in 2023 to 75 thousand in 2024. This alarming scenario requires a careful analysis of the most affected regions and the possible risks. causes of this significant increase in fires.
Midwest reaches highs in 2024
The Inpe survey indicates a significant increase in fire outbreaks in all regions of the country compared to 2023, with particular attention to the Central-West, which this year has three units with the greatest increases. In Mato Grosso do Suloutbreaks increased by 601%, for a total of 11,990 registrations in 2024. Federal Districtthe increase was 269%, with 318 outbreaks, and in Mato Grossooutbreaks increased by 217%, reaching a record 45 thousand, becoming the state with the highest number of outbreaks in the country this year, overtaking Pará.
Mato Grosso’s numbers are even more expressive in September, when the state was responsible for 23.8% of the country’s outbreaks, with 19,439 cases. THE TO The number of fires in the month was also significant, with 17,297 fires, equal to 21.2% of the total recorded.
Which other regions were affected?
Two South-Eastern states complete the ranking of the largest increases: Saint Paul and the Rio de Janeiro. Sao Paulo recorded a 428% increase in September, for a total of 7,855 active outbreaks. In Rio de Janeiro the increase was 184%, with 1,074 active outbreaks. In São Paulo, most of the outbreaks were concentrated in September, when the state recorded 2,445 active outbreaks, 3% of the cases nationwide.
In the last 48 hours, according to INPE, the state of Sao Paulo has recorded 65 active outbreaks. The State Civil Protection reported that four municipalities recorded outbreaks this Sunday (29), including Luiz Antônio, in the Ribeirão Preto region, where the fight is concentrated in the Jataí Ecological Station.
Fire containment measures
Faced with this critical situation, various containment measures have been adopted. For example, in São Paulo, 133 officers, including civil protection, firefighters, brigade members and volunteers, work at the Jataí Ecological Station. Furthermore, 42 vehicles were mobilised, including tankers, tractors and 4×4 trucks. Establishments in the region joined the task force by sending firefighters and support vehicles. Six aircraft, four airplanes and two helicopters were also mobilized on this front to combat the fires.
Historically, Brazil has had more than 300,000 fires in just six years: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2010. This year 2024 is on track to return to that level. With its 208,000 outbreaks recorded so far, it is only behind the totals of 2020, with 222,797 outbreaks, and 2015, with 216,778 outbreaks, considering only the last ten years.
What can we do to mitigate fires?
The issue of fires in Brazil is complex and requires coordinated actions between government, the private sector and civil society. Some measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of fires, such as:
- Investing in technology and monitoring of risk areas.
- Strengthen public policies for fire prevention and control.
- Promote awareness campaigns on the impacts of fires.
- Implement sustainable forest management plans.
For example, using drones and satellites for real-time monitoring can help quickly detect fires, allowing for a more agile response by relevant authorities.
Source: Terra
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