Setting fire for land clearance banned across Brazil

Setting fire for land clearance is banned for 60 days starting today (Aug 29), as per a decree published Thursday.

The measure does not apply in cases of phytosanitary control, as long as a permit is issued by the relevant environmental agency; efforts to prevent and fight fires; and in indigenous and traditional farming activities.

Verde Brasil

Operation Verde Brasil (“Green Brazil”), which has mobilized agencies to combat the blazes in the Amazon, reported a recent decrease in the wildfires. Even though no the fire is not expected to be extinguished in the coming days, the official assessment is optimistic.

According to data from Management and Operations Center of the Amazon Protection System (Censipam), fires were scattered and more intense, especially in the states of  Rondônia, Amapá, Pará, and Maranhão from August 25 to 26. A reduction was seen on August 26 and 27, most notably in Rondônia, where backup had been sent.

Fighting the blazes

The agents deployed in the Amazon add up to 3,912 people, in addition to 205 vehicles. Brazil was also offered help from other countries. Israel offered 100 m³ of flame retardant, and Ecuador engaged three brigades with wildfire-fighting specialists.