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[INTERNATIONAL] · Brazil · 28 sources

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Amazon Rainforest fires trigger health crisis and environmental fines in Brazil

Severe forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon have led to critical air quality levels and significant government intervention. In Pará, the state recorded 922 active fire outbreaks, while Amazonas has seen nearly 2,000 fire spots in October alone. The city of Santarém in Pará reached a very unhealthy air quality index of 260, with fine particulate matter measured at 185 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the Brazilian legal daily average of 32 micrograms per cubic meter.

In response to the crisis, Ibama has issued approximately R$ 2 million in fines and embargoed 12 areas totaling 250 hectares in the municipalities of Autazes and Careiro da Várzea. Authorities have identified many of these fires as criminal and intentional. Eleven people were arrested in Autazes on suspicion of involvement with the fires.

The smoke has caused significant public health and social disruptions. In Manaus, the air quality has reached unhealthy levels, leading to the suspension of in-person classes in both state and municipal school networks. The federal government has reinforced firefighting efforts by increasing the aircraft fleet to 16 and establishing a joint Armed Forces task force in Manaus. Additionally, R$ 14 million has been allocated to the Amazonas government to manage the emergency situation.

Entities

Amazonas · IBAMA · INPE · Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais · José Múcio Monteiro · Manaus · Ministry of Defense · Pará · Santarém

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