Mato Grosso ramps up fire‑prevention campaign and firefighting operation

The Public Prosecutor's Office of Mato Grosso (MPMT) began a statewide awareness campaign on 2 July, warning residents that the use of fire is prohibited from 1 July to 30 November 2026 across the Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal biomes. The initiative, distributed via video and social‑media assets, stresses that illegal burning fuels forest fires, deteriorates air quality, harms health, biodiversity and local economies, and constitutes an environmental crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.

At the same time, the Military Firefighters Corps (CBMMT) launched an reinforced response plan, backed by a R$ 134 million state investment. The operation, announced at Parque Novo Mato Grosso in Cuiabá, mobilises roughly 85 fire‑vehicles, 150 contracted brigadists, aircraft, a river‑crossing unit and expanded monitoring tools to act quickly during the expected dry season intensified by the El Niño phenomenon. Commander‑General Colonel Flávio Glêdson Vieira Bezerra highlighted the need for rapid action, noting the increase in resources compared with the previous year and urging the public to report any illegal fire use.