São Paulo toughens fines for arson

The Government of São Paulo announced the start of the yellow phase of Operation São Paulo Sem Fogo, aimed at preventing and preparing for the critical period of drought. Measures include the purchase of equipment, training, reinforcement of teams and expansion of the firefighting structure.

One of the main changes is the tougher penalties for those who cause illegal fires. Changes in environmental legislation provide for specific fines for rural landowners who do not adopt preventive measures, ranging from R$5 to R$10 million. Those who cause fires in productive areas or vegetation without authorization may pay R$3 per hectare affected, with the possibility of doubling in more serious cases.

In addition to the increase in penalties, the government will invest R$17,3 million in the purchase of 101 vehicles and 336 pieces of equipment for the Civil Defense, with delivery scheduled for May. 15 preparatory workshops will also be held, distributing protection and fire-fighting kits to around 200 priority municipalities.

Another initiative is the expansion of the Emergency Management Center (CGE), which will have a new meteorological service for more accurate forecasts. In the environmental area, the Forestry Foundation will allocate R$11 million for prevention and combat actions, including the hiring of civilian firefighters and the acquisition of equipment.

The Department of Highways (DER/SP) will also invest more than R$300 million in highway maintenance, with mowing and weeding services to reduce the risk of fires in the right-of-way.

In 2024, São Paulo faced the worst drought in history, mobilizing 15 people and investing R$260 million in fighting fires. With the new resources and prevention measures, the government seeks to reduce occurrences and improve the response during the critical period.