Paraná fire brigade warns of hazardous kite‑string use

The Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Paraná (CBMPR) issued a public safety alert as the dry season and strong winds increase kite‑flying activity across the state. It warned that the use of cerol, "linha chilena" and other cutting lines can cause severe injuries. Recent incidents in Curitiba include a 51‑year‑old cyclist whose neck was deeply lacerated, exposing his trachea, and a rescued owl whose wing was injured by a kite line.

State law 20.264/2020 already bans the possession, manufacture, sale and transport of cutting lines, imposing fines on individuals and companies, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses and criminal liability for serious injuries or death. Starting in July, a new municipal ordinance in Curitiba raises the fine for illegal cerol use to R$ 5 000, doubled for repeat violations, and authorises immediate seizure of the material. The CBMPR recommends using ordinary cotton lines, supervising children, avoiding roads and power lines, and reporting violations to the police. In case of injury, it advises basic wound cleaning, applying a clean compress for heavy bleeding, and calling emergency services (193).