With dry weather, SP issues alert for forest fires; see risk regions

The Civil Defense of the state of São Paulo issued a warning on Monday (19) for forest fires in 16 regions of the state. The risk is aggravated due to low air humidity.

The state of São Paulo received an alert for 16 regions of the state about the risk of forest fires starting this Monday (19).

The alert was sent via text message to a cell phone with the following recommendation: “High risk of forest fires in the region. Pay extra attention in areas of dry vegetation. Do not set fire to the bush, this is an environmental crime!”

Regions that are on alert:

• Capital and metropolitan region;
• Aracatuba;
• Araraquara;
• Barretos, Bauru;
• Campinas;
• France;
• Itapeva;
• Marilia;
• President Prudent;
• Registration;
• Ribeirao Preto;
• Saint Joseph of the Fields;
• Saint Joseph of Rio Preto;
• Sorocaba.

According to meteorologist Willian Minhoto, from the state’s Civil Defense Emergency Management Center (CGE), relative humidity could reach critical levels throughout this Monday. The only region where there is no alert for low humidity is the coast.

The São Paulo government’s Operation SP Sem Fogo has been in the red phase since June, in which actions to prevent and combat fires are intensified.

It is recommended that the population adopt preventive measures against burning and forest fires:

• Do not release balloons;
• Avoid lighting fires, especially near woods and forests;
• Do not use fire to clear land or burn rubbish;
• Dispose of your waste properly;
• Carry out controlled burning only when permitted and with authorization from Cetesb;
• On rural properties, build and maintain clean firebreaks to prevent the spread of fire, especially near roads and highways and forested areas;
• Sign up to receive Civil Defense alerts on your cell phone. Just send an SMS with your zip code to the number 40199

Under supervision