# Várzea Grande wildfire prevention and venomous animal risks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vrzea-grande-wildfire-and-venomous-animal-concerns
> Updated: 2026-09-04T23:37:51.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

In Várzea Grande, local authorities have launched the ‘VG Sem Queimadas’ campaign to mitigate wildfire risks during the dry season. This initiative involves technical cooperation with the Fire Department, providing specialized equipment such as water trucks and pickup trucks equipped with pumps to support emergency responses through early November.

To combat rising fire risks, the City Hall has reinforced its prohibition on burning. Under Municipal Law No. 4.515/2019, burning is prohibited on public roads and within both public and private properties in urban and rural areas. Additionally, Federal Decree No. 6.514/2008 establishes penalties for causing fires in native vegetation or burning solid waste in unlicensed facilities. Fines for burning refuse can range from R$ 5,000 to R$ 50 million, while fires involving native vegetation incur fines of R$ 10,000 per hectare. Authorities noted that individuals can be penalized based on evidence of authorship, and property owners may be held responsible for negligence.

Alongside these environmental efforts, health officials have issued warnings regarding an increase in venomous animals in urban areas. Driven by intense heat and wildfires, species including scorpions, snakes, and spiders are migrating toward residential zones. While scorpion sting incidents have decreased compared to the previous year, notifications for snake bites have doubled during the first eight months of 2026.

## Claims

- The City Hall of Várzea Grande launched the 'VG Sem Queimadas' campaign to intensify fire prevention. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The municipality is providing two pickup trucks with water jet pumps and one water truck with a 20,000-liter capacity to assist firefighters. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The fire prevention equipment will be available to the Fire Department from August through October, potentially extending into early November. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Heat and wildfires are driving venomous animals like scorpions and snakes into urban residential areas in search of shelter and water. (single source)
- There were 60 reported scorpion sting cases in Várzea Grande between January and August 2026. (single source)
- Snake bite notifications doubled in 2026 compared to 2025, reaching 14 recorded cases. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Várzea Grande reinforces ban on burning and fire risks

Várzea Grande authorities have reinforced a ban on burning during the dry season, warning of significant fines for illegal fires or waste burning in urban and rural areas.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vrzea-grande-reinforces-ban-on-burning-and-fire-risks

### 2026-08-26: Várzea Grande launches wildfire prevention and issues venomous animal warnings

Várzea Grande has launched a wildfire prevention campaign while warning residents that heat and fires are driving venomous animals like scorpions and snakes into urban areas.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vrzea-grande-launches-wildfire-prevention-and-issues-venomous-animal-warnings

### 2026-08-15: Várzea Grande health officials promote viral hepatitis awareness

Health officials in Várzea Grande, Brazil, held an awareness session on viral hepatitis types B, C, and Delta to promote early diagnosis and prevention among vulnerable populations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vrzea-grande-health-officials-promote-viral-hepatitis-awareness

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Cite as: Várzea Grande wildfire prevention and venomous animal risks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vrzea-grande-wildfire-and-venomous-animal-concerns