Record Number of Fires Plague Brazil’s São Paulo Amid Heat Wave, Low Humidity

The state of São Paulo, Brazil’s wealthiest region and a significant driver of economic activity in Latin America, is facing an unprecedented number of fires due to a severe heat wave and low humidity levels, Bloomberg reports.

Data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) revealed that between August 22-24 alone, São Paulo recorded 2,621 fires, contributing to a disturbing total of 4,973 fires in the year-to-date — the highest number since the database was established in 1998.

The troubling trend is not confined to São Paulo; surrounding regions are also grappling with fire outbreaks amidst unseasonably high temperatures averaging around 86°F, including 1,273 fires reported in Mato Grosso in the central west and 1,036 fires logged in Pará in the north.

“We are hiring planes to spray water, which will be added to our aircraft teams from the fire department, alongside reinforcements from the Armed Forces,” São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas said, declaring an emergency response plan after an aerial survey over the affected areas on Saturday.

Currently, 17 cities are experiencing active fire outbreaks, while 36 municipalities are under close monitoring due to heightened fire risk, according to a report from the state government referencing the Emergency Management Center of the Civil Defense.

In a notable incident, Raízen SA, a major player in the sugar industry, confirmed that a number of fires emerged in a sugarcane field near its Santa Elisa mill last week. Although the flames were brought under control the same day, some company equipment and portions of the mill’s biomass stocks were damaged. This area is known as the leading producer of sugarcane in the state.

In response to the crisis, the state government established a rapid response office on August 23 involving Civil Defense, Public Security, Agriculture, Supply, Environment, and Infrastructure experts. Over 7,300 personnel, comprising both professionals and volunteers, have been mobilized to combat the fires and assist the public.

 “We are working to ensure that measures are taken as quickly as possible to resolve the situation,” Minister of Institutional Relations Alexandre Padilha said on X, confirming the federal government’s involvement into tackling the fires.