The wildfire crisis in São Paulo, Brazil, has dramatically intensified, with 46 municipalities now on maximum alert and 21 cities battling active fires. The situation has prompted a robust response from both state and federal governments, including the deployment of military aircraft and the involvement of the Federal Police to investigate potential criminal origins of the fires.In a significant development, two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of arson. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas announced that one arrest was made on Saturday in São José do Rio Preto, and another on Sunday in Batatais. The federal government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, suspects a coordinated criminal effort behind the fires, drawing comparisons to the 2019 ‘Day of Fire’ incident in the Amazon.Environmental Minister Marina Silva emphasized the atypical nature of the situation, stating, ‘It’s not part of our experience to have so many municipalities burning at the same time, in just two days’. The Federal Police has opened 31 investigations into allegedly criminal wildfires across the country, including in São Paulo.The crisis has led to significant disruptions, including the closure of Ribeirão Preto airport for landings and takeoffs on Sunday. In the city itself, fires reached the walls of a residential condominium, forcing evacuations. The situation is further exacerbated by strong winds, with the National Institute of Space Research warning of gusts up to 90 km/h that could accelerate fire spread.The fires have resulted in at least two fatalities, and over 7,300 government workers and volunteers have been mobilized to combat the blazes. Governor de Freitas has initiated humanitarian aid efforts, sending mattresses, water, hygiene kits, and food baskets to those affected.As the crisis continues, both state and federal authorities are working to coordinate their response and investigate the root causes of this unprecedented wildfire season in São Paulo.
Key points
- 46 municipalities in São Paulo are on maximum fire alert, with 21 cities facing active fires.
- Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the wildfires.
- The Federal Police has opened 31 investigations into potentially criminal wildfires across Brazil.
- The federal government suspects a coordinated criminal effort behind the fires, similar to the 2019 ‘Day of Fire’ incident.
- Over 7,300 government workers and volunteers have been mobilized to combat the blazes.
Contradictions👾While most sources report 46 municipalities on maximum alert, one source mentions 36 cities.
This discrepancy could be due to different reporting times or varying definitions of ‘maximum alert’.
