Brazil's Tocantins, Rondônia Tighten Fire Controls as Dry Season Hits

The Instituto Natureza do Tocantins (Naturatins) announced that all new and existing authorizations for controlled burns are suspended until 31 October, citing heightened fire risk during the state's dry season. Residents are urged to avoid open flames, campfires, cigarette butts and the burning of waste, and to report any suspicious fires immediately to the fire brigade (193).

In Porto Velho, Rondônia, the municipal government activated an integrated task‑force of trained brigadists to monitor high‑risk areas, intervene quickly on emerging hotspots and protect homes and wildlife. Officials warned that an anticipated Super El Niño could worsen drought conditions. The brigade, led by superintendant Marcos Berti and field officer Marcelo Vasconcelos, emphasizes public cooperation through timely denunciations of illegal fires.