The state of Mato Grosso do Sul recorded 1,072 fires in the first half of November, according to monitoring data from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe).
The number is greater than the total number of fires recorded in 2023 in French Guiana and Uruguay combined. Both countries had 351 and 465 outbreaks this year, respectively.
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According to the Ministry of the Environment, 87 fires have been fought in the Pantanal alone since three lightning strikes struck, in October, the Pantanal National Park, the Dorochê Private Natural Heritage Reserve and a private property close to the areas. In total, 50 thousand hectares were affected.
“Since then, 47 federal brigades have been concentrated in the region”, informs the Ministry of the Environment. According to the ministry, almost 36 thousand hectares were burned in the Encontro das Águas State Park.
Mato Grosso do Sul is also on alert due to the heat wave that is affecting much of the country.
For this Wednesday (15), the maximum temperature predicted for the capital Campo Grande is 37°C, with a minimum relative humidity of 30%. On Thursday (16), the forecast is for the maximum temperature to reach 40°C, with a minimum relative humidity of 25%. There is a possibility of isolated rain with lots of clouds and gusty winds.
Emergency situation
The government of Mato Grosso do Sul declared an emergency in five municipalities on Tuesday (14) due to fires in the Pantanal region. 816 fires have been recorded since last Friday in four cities.
The decree signed by Governor Eduardo Riedel (PSDB) and published in an extra edition of the Official State Gazette determines that, for the next 90 days, tenders will be suspended to deal with cases with potential loss or compromise of public services, safety of people and goods public or private because of the fires in the cities of Corumbá, Ladário, Miranda, Aquidauana and Porto Murtinho.
The authorization is only valid for works and services that must be completed within a maximum period of one year.
(With information from Estadão Conteúdo)
Source: CNN Brasil
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