# Brazil fire crisis intensifies amid extreme heat

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mato-grosso-do-sul-prescribed-burn-program
> Updated: 2026-09-02T03:10:56.000Z. Sources: 143. Developments: 41.

Brazil’s dry‑season fire‑prevention drive, intensified by El Niño, has seen widespread bans and massive resource mobilization. In Mato Grosso, a fire prohibition period is in effect across the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes. Regional efforts have expanded significantly, with Goiás declaring a 120-day environmental emergency and Tocantins suspending controlled-burn permits. 

As the dry season progresses, authorities report escalating damage and extreme weather risks. In Acre, wildfire activity saw a massive surge in August 2026, with heat spots increasing by approximately 770% compared to July. Data from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) shows 487 fire spots were recorded in August, accounting for 83.4% of the state’s total annual occurrences. The municipality of Feijó has been most heavily impacted, while air quality in Rio Branco has deteriorated, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching levels nearly 2.8 times the annual concentration recommended by the World Health Organization.

Fire departments are reporting a rise in emergencies linked to extreme weather conditions. In Codó, the Military Fire Brigade noted a 22% increase in vegetation fire calls. In the Vale do Juruá region, specifically near Cruzeiro do Sul, authorities issued alerts following a fire that burned approximately 50,000 square meters. To manage risks during September—a critical month for fire propagation—the military is conducting ‘Operation Controlled Fire’ across five municipalities. Fire departments are also intensifying educational campaigns to prevent improper fire use from escalating into large-scale environmental damage.

## Claims

- The Government of Goiás has intensified prevention and combat measures against vegetation fires during the dry season. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 125 specialized professionals are mobilized daily within conservation units in Goiás. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Monitoring efforts utilize satellite imagery and heat focus data provided by the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development and the Military Fire Brigade of Goiás are combating forest fires near Serra Dourada State Park. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 600 hectares have been affected by fires in the vicinity of Serra Dourada State Park. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Inmet has issued an orange alert for Mato Grosso due to extreme heat up to 40°C and critical humidity levels as low as 10%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The area affected by fire in Goiás increased by 23.3% compared to the same period in 2025, according to Lasa/UFRJ data. (single source)
- The Mato Grosso Military Fire Brigade extinguished eight forest fires in 24 hours and is combating 12 other active fronts. (single source)
- In the first 20 days of August, Inpe satellites detected 2,280 heat foci in Mato Grosso. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Brazil fire departments alert public to rising wildfire risks

Fire departments in Brazil report rising wildfire risks due to the dry season and El Niño, prompting increased prevention efforts and public alerts in regions like Codó and Vale do Juruá.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-fire-departments-alert-public-to-rising-wildfire-risks

### 2026-09-01: Acre faces wildfire surge and intensifying 2026 election spending

Acre faces a 770% surge in wildfire hotspots and deteriorating air quality, while the 2026 elections see over R$ 15 million in campaign funds distributed among major candidates.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acre-wildfire-heat-spots-surge-770-in-august

### 2026-08-29: Acre, Brazil, sees massive surge in wildfire heat spots

Acre, Brazil, is seeing a massive surge in wildfires, with August accounting for 76% of the year's heat spots and a record-breaking spike recorded in late August.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acre-brazil-sees-massive-surge-in-wildfire-heat-spots

### 2026-08-25: Brazil faces widespread wildfires and air pollution crises

Brazil faces rising environmental concerns as wildfires cause widespread heat spots and severe air pollution, particularly in Mato Grosso, while regions like Acre and Goiás struggle with forest fires.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-burn-1800-hectares-across-gois-brazil

### 2026-08-23: Wildfires and extreme heat impact Mato Grosso and Goiás

Mato Grosso and Goiás face severe wildfires and extreme heat, with humidity dropping to 10% and fire-affected areas in Goiás rising by 23.3% compared to last year.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gois-firefighters-battle-forest-fires-in-pouso-alto-apa

### 2026-08-20: Goiás wildfires cause R$ 710 million in agribusiness losses

Wildfires in Goiás have caused R$ 710 million in agribusiness losses. The state has suspended the use of fire in vegetation until October 31 to mitigate further environmental and health risks.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gois-wildfires-cause-r-710-million-in-agribusiness-losses

### 2026-08-18: Wildfires in Mato Grosso threaten homes and livestock

Wildfires in Mato Grosso, Brazil, have been burning since August 14, destroying sugarcane crops, killing livestock, and threatening homes in Jangada and 14 other municipalities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-in-mato-grosso-threaten-homes-and-livestock

### 2026-08-18: Brazil reports vegetation fires in Codó and Socorro

Vegetation fires in Codó and Socorro, Brazil, have caused traffic disruptions and environmental damage, exacerbated by strong winds and dry weather conditions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-reports-vegetation-fires-in-cod-and-socorro

### 2026-08-10: Brazil faces widespread wildfires amid severe drought

Severe drought and high temperatures in Brazil have triggered widespread wildfires, prompting emergency operations and increased monitoring in Acre, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Tocantins, and Rondônia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-faces-rising-wildfire-risks-in-tocantins-and-minas-gerais

### 2026-07-31: Brazil boosts firefighting operations in Pará and Maranhão amid rising fires

Brazil's fire services in Pará and Maranhão ramp up operations, using satellite monitoring and new tech to combat rising fires and enforce prevention rules.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-boosts-firefighting-operations-in-par-and-maranho-amid-rising-fires

### 2026-07-29: Campo Grande starts 2026 ‘Agosto Alaranjado’ campaign to curb urban fires

Campo Grande, Cuiabá and Rondonópolis launch coordinated fire‑prevention campaigns, adding staff, equipment and public reporting channels as dry‑season fires surge.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-cities-launch-campaigns-to-curb-urban-fires

### 2026-07-28: Brazil's Tocantins, Rondônia Tighten Fire Controls as Dry Season Hits

Brazil's Tocantins suspends controlled‑burn permits until Oct 31 and Porto Velho’s municipal brigades intensify fire monitoring as the dry season raises wildfire risk.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-tocantins-rondnia-tighten-fire-controls-as-dry-season-hits

### 2026-07-26: Goiás and Tocantins ban fire use during 2026 dry season

Goiás declared a 120‑day environmental emergency and banned fire use July‑Oct 2026, while Tocantins suspended all controlled‑burn permits through Oct 31 to curb wildfire risk.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gois-and-tocantins-ban-fire-use-during-2026-dry-season

### 2026-07-23: Fire outbreaks in Brazil and Portugal spark large firefighting operations

Fires in Brazil and Portugal prompted large firefighting operations, with authorities imposing strict penalties and urging preventive measures; no injuries reported.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-dry-season-fires-threaten-health-and-property-in-rondonpolis-cuiab-and-braslia

### 2026-07-15: Brazilian municipalities tighten fire bans and fines as dry season looms

Itabira imposes R$465 fines for any urban burning, while Mato Grosso reports a 17% drop in fire hotspots and sets weekly monitoring despite a looming stronger El Niño.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-municipalities-tighten-fire-bans-and-fines-as-dry-season-looms

### 2026-07-13: Brazilian towns intensify fire‑prevention programs

Mayors in Bahia and Acre launched coordinated fire‑prevention actions, combining education, agency cooperation and community outreach to protect Brazil’s forests and the Caatinga biome.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-towns-intensify-fireprevention-programs

### 2026-07-10: Palmas, Brazil Defense Civil battles forest fire in Taquaruçu

A forest fire in Taquaruçu, Palmas, Brazil was tackled by four Defense Civil agents in about 40 minutes; officials warn residents to clear vegetation and avoid open flames during the dry season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palmas-brazil-defense-civil-battles-forest-fire-in-taquaruu

### 2026-07-10: Brazilian fire services conduct emergency response training in Sinop and Videira

Brazilian fire agencies trained staff in Sinop on fire safety and in Videira on landslide response, emphasizing continuous emergency‑response preparedness.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-fire-services-conduct-emergency-response-training-in-sinop-and-videira

### 2026-07-08: Brazil firefighters extinguish vegetation fires in Carmolândia and Confresa

Brazilian municipal brigades extinguished vegetation fires in Carmolândia (Tocantins) and Confresa (Mato Grosso) without injuries or property damage, cautioning about dry‑season fire risks.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-firefighters-extinguish-vegetation-fires-in-carmolndia-and-confresa

### 2026-07-06: Brazilian municipalities launch temporary hiring drives for fire‑fighting and Indigenous assistance roles

Brazilian towns Ribeiro Gonçalves (PI) and Amajari (RR) opened temporary hiring—13 fire‑fighting posts and 22 social‑service roles, with applications in early July 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-municipalities-launch-temporary-hiring-drives-for-firefighting-and-indigenous-assistance-r

### 2026-07-03: Brazil's state fire services appoint first female colonels in Piauí and Rio Grande do Sul

Brazilian fire services in Piauí and Rio Grande do Sul each promoted their first female colonels, Ana Cléia and Cristiane Nunes de Oliveira, marking historic gender milestones.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-state-fire-services-appoint-first-female-colonels-in-piau-and-rio-grande-do-sul

### 2026-07-03: Mato Grosso launches $134 million fire‑fighting operation for dry season

Brazil's Mato Grosso state launches a R$ 134 million fire‑fighting operation for the dry season, deploying 85 vehicles, 150 brigadists, aircraft and a river‑crossing unit as fire‑use is banned until 30 Nov.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-launches-134-million-firefighting-operation-for-dry-season

### 2026-07-02: Brazil's Federal District Fire Brigade Marks 170 Years as Goiás Unit Extinguishes Home Fire

Brazil's Congress celebrated the Federal District fire brigade's 170th anniversary and pushed a funding autonomy bill, while the Goiás fire brigade extinguished a home fire in Caldas Novas with no injuries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-federal-district-fire-brigade-marks-170-years-as-gois-unit-extinguishes-home-fire

### 2026-07-02: Mato Grosso ramps up fire‑prevention campaign and firefighting operation

Mato Grosso's prosecutor launched a fire‑ban awareness campaign while the state firefighters activated a R$134 million reinforced operation with vehicles, brigades and aircraft to combat forest fires during the

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-launches-fireprohibition-campaign-and-reinforced-firefighting-operation

### 2026-07-01: Brazil expands forest fire prevention with gear distribution and education blitz

Brazil’s Guandu Committee supplied PPE to municipalities while Brazlândia held an educational blaze‑prevention blitz, both aiming to curb forest fires during the dry season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-expands-forest-fire-prevention-with-gear-distribution-and-education-blitz

### 2026-07-01: Mato Grosso imposes fire ban on rural lands until Nov. 30

Mato Grosso’s new decree bans rural burning from July 1 to Nov. 30 to prevent fires amid a severe El Niño‑driven dry spell; violations incur fines and criminal charges.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-imposes-fire-ban-on-rural-lands-until-nov-30

### 2026-06-30: Mato Grosso bans open fires July‑Nov as heat spots surge

Mato Grosso starts a July‑Nov fire ban after leading Brazil in June heat spots, with penalties and centralized monitoring to curb fire risk amid a severe dry season.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-extends-deadline-for-rural-fire-fuelclearance-to-june-30

### 2026-06-26: Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Norte award medals to security officials

Rio de Janeiro's fire department and Rio Grande do Norte's police honored state officials with medals in June ceremonies, recognizing contributions to security and public safety.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-military-firefighters-honor-officials-and-boost-suicidecall-response-training

### 2026-06-25: Brazilian fire departments open recruitment and training courses

Fire departments in Santa Catarina and Mato Grosso announce recruitment: 30 community firefighter spots (2026) and 150 temporary brigadist positions with physical testing in 29 MT municipalities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-fire-departments-open-recruitment-and-training-courses

### 2026-06-19: Mato Grosso hires 150 temporary fire‑brigade workers for wildfire season

CBMMT seeks 150 temporary fire‑brigade workers for wildfire response in Mato Grosso; applications close 20 June, salary R$ 2,600, four‑month contracts.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-fire-services-carry-out-prescribed-burn-and-issue-fireworks-safety-advisory

### 2026-06-18: Mato Grosso extends native biomass ban to 2035 and sets new reforestation targets

Mato Grosso pushes native biomass phase‑out to 2035, sets a 700,000‑ha planting goal by 2040 and expands sustainable forest management targets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-extends-native-biomass-ban-to-2035-and-sets-new-reforestation-targets

### 2026-06-17: Brazil's Military Fire Brigades Train New Personnel and Boost Fire‑fighting Capacity

Brazil's Rio de Janeiro and Mato Grosso military fire brigades graduate and retrain soldiers, adding new equipment and a fire‑ban to strengthen fire‑fighting response.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-military-fire-brigades-train-new-personnel-and-boost-firefighting-capacity

### 2026-06-16: Brazilian fire services launch hiring for 150 temporary brigades in Mato Grosso and 342 public positions in Minas Gerais

Brazil's fire departments in Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais announced recruitment drives, offering 150 temporary brigade slots and 342 permanent positions, with deadlines in June and July.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-fire-services-launch-hiring-for-150-temporary-brigades-in-mato-grosso-and-342-public-posit

### 2026-06-15: Mato Grosso firefighting operations contain ethanol plant blaze and municipal fair fire

Firefighters contained a major blaze at Sinop's Inpasa ethanol plant and a short‑circuit fire at Juína's municipal fair, with no injuries reported.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-firefighting-operations-contain-ethanol-plant-blaze-and-municipal-fair-fire

### 2026-06-11: Mato Grosso firefighters recruit 150 temp brigadists and tackle multiple fires

Mato Grosso firefighters are hiring 150 temp brigadists for the 2026 fire season, while CBMMT battles recent factory and apartment fires and prepares a central command for an El Niño‑driven drought.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fire-at-pet-food-factory-in-sinop-brazil-extinguished-by-firefighters

### 2026-06-08: Mato Grosso government signs biomass pact as health CPI hearings and legal rulings intensify state affairs

Mato Grosso signs a forest‑biomass pact, launches a health CPI hearing eight firms, approves a hospital contract fix, and courts former governor Pedro Taques for campaign debt.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-government-signs-agreements-on-sustainable-biomass-use-and-cancer-care

### 2026-06-04: Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso Confront Fire Risk and Biomass Shortages

Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul declared a 180‑day emergency over forecasted fire risk, while Mato Grosso's reforesters warn of a biomass shortfall that could hinder agro‑industry and ethanol production.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-do-sul-and-mato-grosso-confront-fire-risk-and-biomass-shortages

### 2026-06-03: Brazilian firefighters tackle vegetation fires in Mato Grosso and conduct preventive burns in Pantanal

Brazilian fire brigades extinguished two vegetation fires in Mato Grosso and performed large‑scale prescribed burns in Pantanal to reduce wildfire risk.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-firefighters-battle-vegetation-fires-and-conduct-preventive-fire-management-in-mato-grosso

### 2026-06-03: Mato Grosso Deploys Ten Temporary Fire Brigades Ahead of 2026 Burn Ban

Mato Grosso’s CBMMT is deploying ten temporary fire brigades and enforcing a July‑Nov 2026 burn ban, with new training, risk mapping and stricter penalties for illegal fires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-deploys-ten-temporary-fire-brigades-ahead-of-2026-burn-ban

### 2026-06-03: Imasul and Mato Grosso do Sul Firefighters Conduct Prescribed Burns in Pantanal

Imasul and the Mato Grosso do Sul fire department completed over 1,000 ha of prescribed burns in Pantanal State Park to cut biomass and lower wildfire risk, coordinating with aerial monitoring and local land‑r

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imasul-and-mato-grosso-do-sul-firefighters-conduct-prescribed-burns-in-pantanal

### 2026-05-11: Mato Grosso do Sul conducts prescribed burn in Ivinhema River Floodplain Park

Mato Grosso do Sul’s fire department performed a four‑day prescribed burn in Ivinhema River Park to cut biomass and curb wildfire risk amid El Niño conditions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mato-grosso-do-sul-conducts-prescribed-burn-in-ivinhema-river-floodplain-park

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Cite as: Brazil fire crisis intensifies amid extreme heat. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mato-grosso-do-sul-prescribed-burn-program