São Paulo civil defence issues fire‑risk alert amid dry spell

The São Paulo State Civil Defence agency has issued an emergency alert for a heightened risk of fires and wild‑burns across the central, western and eastern parts of the state from July 19 to July 21. The alert, sent by SMS, covers the area from Piracicaba outward, with the northern zone between Barretos and Araçatuba placed in an extreme‑risk category for July 21. The warning follows a drop in relative humidity to below 30 % caused by an atmospheric block that is producing a persistent “veranico” and a moderate‑to‑light drought that has persisted since February 2024.

Officials note that while São Paulo historically records few fire incidents, 2024 saw extensive burning in sugar‑cane fields in the north, amplified by a weak El Niño. The dry conditions also threaten water supply: interior cities such as Itu, Bauru, Campinas and Ribeirão Preto have endured water‑stress measures, and the metropolitan area has experienced repeated dry‑tap periods as water is drawn farther from the Paraíba do Sul basin. The agency advises residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours and use humidifiers where possible.