Brazil Deploys Military Planes in ‘War’ on Wildfires

AFP/APP
Brazil: The Brazilian government is deploying military aircraft in a “war” against wildfires ravaging the southeastern state of São Paulo, where dozens of cities are on high alert, officials announced on Sunday.
Following a crisis meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s cabinet, Environment Minister Marina Silva declared a “war against the fire” and stated that federal police are investigating the “atypical situation” that has caused extensive damage and disruption.
São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas declared a state of emergency in 45 municipalities and reported that two individuals suspected of starting fires have been arrested.
Dense smoke has spread across a vast area of Brazil, reaching as far as the capital, Brasília, located 720 kilometers (450 miles) to the north. Several flights have been canceled, and travel on some roads has been halted.
“I stepped outside last night around 7:00 PM, and I had a lot of trouble breathing,” said 66-year-old retiree Carlos Rodrigues. “I’ve lived here for 32 years and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Officials reported that two factory workers died on Friday in Urupês, in the northern part of the state, while fighting a fire.
The military aircraft deployed include a KC-390 Embraer, a converted troop transport craft capable of dropping up to 12,000 liters (3,170 gallons) of water on fire zones. The Embraer was sent to Ribeirão Preto, one of the cities most threatened, located about 300 kilometers from São Paulo.
However, Minister Silva noted that the plane “was unable to operate due to the amount of smoke,” adding, “That gives you an idea of the problem.”
Videos posted on social media show the city shrouded in near-darkness under a dense layer of smoke. Some residents have had to evacuate.
“It’s apocalyptic,” a voice is heard saying in one video.
Around the region, farm fields have burned, and scores of cattle have perished. Governor de Freitas announced that 10 million reais (around $1.8 million) would be allocated to help farmers who have lost crops or livestock.
Amid prolonged drought, São Paulo state is experiencing its worst month for fires in decades, with 3,480 separate blazes identified, according to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).