Drought‑Driven Wildfire Threats Prompt New Safety Measures on São Paulo Highways

The ongoing drought in São Paulo state has raised the risk of wildfires along major highways. Dry vegetation, low humidity and strong winds facilitate rapid fire spread, while smoke reduces visibility, increases the chance of traffic accidents and can damage road infrastructure such as signage, pavement and communication lines. State data indicate that about 90 % of forest fires originate from human activities, including discarded cigarette butts, illegal waste burning and improper use of fire in rural areas.

In response, public agencies and highway concessionaires have expanded preventive actions. Ecovias Raposo Castello has cleared firebreaks covering dozens of kilometres on the Castello Branco, SP‑029 and Raposo Tavares routes and runs educational campaigns through variable‑message signs and printed flyers. The São Paulo Motorway (SPMAR) has intensified monitoring on the Rodoanel Mário Covas, keeping fire‑fighting teams on standby to act at the first sign of smoke. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, use low‑beam headlights, increase following distance, avoid stopping on the shoulder and immediately contact the fire department (193) or civil defence (199) if a fire is observed.