The Brazilian government is utilizing military aircraft in a campaign against wildfires that are devastating the southeastern state of Sao Paulo, where numerous cities are on high alert, officials announced on Sunday.
After a crisis meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's cabinet, Environment Minister Marina Silva declared a "war against the fire" and mentioned that federal police are investigating the "atypical situation" which has led to significant damage and disruption. Tarcisio de Freitas, the governor of Sao Paulo, declared a state of emergency in 45 municipalities and reported the arrest of two individuals suspected of igniting fires.
With thick smoke spreading across a large area of Brazil—reaching even the capital city Brasilia, 720km to the north—several flights have been canceled and travel on certain roads has been suspended. "I stepped outside last night around 7pm and had difficulty breathing," said 66-year-old retiree Carlos Rodrigues. "I've lived here for 32 years and have never witnessed anything like this."
Two factory workers perished on Friday in Urupes, located in the northern part of the state, while battling a fire, according to officials. The military aircraft being deployed includes a KC-390 Embraer, a modified troop transport that can drop up to 12,000 liters of water on fire zones. The Embraer was dispatched to Ribeirao Preto, one of the cities most at risk, approximately 300km from Sao Paulo. However, Minister Silva noted that the plane "could not operate due to the heavy smoke," highlighting the severity of the issue.
Videos circulating on social media depict the city enveloped in near-darkness by a dense layer of smoke, prompting some residents to evacuate. "It's apocalyptic," one video captures someone saying. Throughout the region, fields have been scorched and numerous cattle have perished. Governor de Freitas announced that 10 million reais (approximately $1.8 million) is being allocated to assist farmers who suffer crop or livestock losses.
In the midst of a prolonged drought, Sao Paulo state is enduring its worst month for fires in decades, with 3,480 individual fires identified by INPE, the National Institute for Space Research.
