Mato Grosso do Sul conducts prescribed burn in Ivinhema River Floodplain Park

The government of Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state and its fire department carried out a four‑day prescribed‑burn operation (MIF – Integrated Fire Management) in the Parque Estadual das Várzeas do Rio Ivinhema (Pevri) from May 1 to 4. The 73,300‑hectare park, part of the Atlantic Forest biome in the Paraná River basin, was treated to reduce accumulated biomass and lower the risk of severe wildfires, especially as the El Niño climate pattern is expected to raise temperatures and disrupt rainfall in the region.

Captain Samuel Pedrozo of the fire brigade said, “These practices are essential for controlling the accumulated biomass, reducing the risk of large forest fires.” The operation involved military firefighters, the state environmental agency Imasul, and used drones equipped with infrared sensors and thermal cameras for mapping and night‑time monitoring. Fires were set during the hottest part of the day at about 30 °C, burned slowly and low‑intensity, and naturally subsided as temperatures fell and humidity rose. Officials highlighted that the technique also helps remove exotic species, encourages native vegetation regeneration, and protects wildlife within the protected area.