House fires claim lives in Novo Hamburgo and Rio Branco, Brazil

In Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, a fire broke out in a residence on the early morning of Saturday, July 11, killing 40‑year‑old Vanessa Ribeiro Gomes. Investigators suspect the blaze started from a wood‑stove; her mother and stepfather attempted a rescue but were forced to flee as the flames intensified. Both survived with severe burns and were treated at the municipal hospital.

In Rio Branco, Acre, a separate house on Rua Tupi Guarani was completely destroyed by fire on Friday night. The property, owned by Moisés de Souza, was allegedly set after a dispute in which the owner reportedly threatened a woman with a knife. Police and fire crews contained the blaze, preventing damage to neighboring homes; no injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible criminal act and have begun forensic analysis to determine the fire’s origin.