Várzea Grande reinforces ban on burning and fire risks

The Várzea Grande City Hall has reinforced its prohibition on burning to combat increased fire risks during the dry season. Under the ‘VG Sem Queimadas’ campaign, a partnership between the Municipal Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Rural Development and the Mato Grosso Military Fire Department, authorities are increasing prevention, inspection, and awareness efforts between August and October.

Municipal Law No. 4.515/2019 prohibits burning on public roads and within public or private properties in both urban and rural areas. Federal Decree No. 6.514/2008 also establishes penalties for causing fires in forests or native vegetation, as well as for burning solid waste in open air or in unlicensed facilities.

Fines for burning solid waste or refuse can range from R$ 5,000 to R$ 50 million. For fires involving native vegetation, the fine is set at R$ 10,000 per hectare or fraction thereof. Authorities noted that individuals can be penalized even if the land is not their own, provided there is concrete evidence of authorship. Property owners may also be held responsible if they are found to be negligent.