Mato Grosso bans open fires July‑Nov as heat spots surge
The state of Mato Grosso in Brazil began a fire‑prohibition period on 1 July that will run until 30 November. The decree, issued under emergency environmental status, forbids the use of fire for land‑clearing and agricultural management across the Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.
Mato Grosso finished June with 1,292 recorded heat spots – the highest total in the country – averaging almost two incidents an hour. Authorities warned that a severe dry spell linked to El Niño could intensify fire risk. Violations of the ban can result in fines, equipment seizure and criminal charges. Enforcement is coordinated through a Central Situation Room that monitors incidents in real time, supported by the state fire brigade and municipal governments such as Sinop, which have launched public awareness campaigns and a WhatsApp hotline for reporting illegal burns.