Use of chemical retardants in fighting agroforestry fires is the subject of debate in São Paulo

Representatives of the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of São Paulo (Faesp) and Euroforte, an innovation company focused on the management of mineral nutrition for plants, met this week to discuss solutions related to intelligence and safety in fighting agroforestry fires. 

At the meeting, held at Faesp headquarters, experts from the Office of the President and technicians from Faesp's Sustainability Department assessed the benefits of using chemical retardants to fight fires. These substances, diluted in water, significantly increase the fire prevention and suppression power. 

One of the products highlighted was Fireout, developed by Euroforte, which has studies proving its effectiveness in reducing the intensity of fires by more than 50%. In other words, it is five times more effective than using pure water when used at a concentration of 5%. Tests and research with reference institutions, such as the Fire Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), ensure the substance is a sustainable alternative, with a 100% natural composition and non-toxic to plants, animals and humans. 

At the end of the meeting, a task force was defined, with the participation of the Technical Committee on the Environment, Water Resources and Energy of Faesp, to prepare a technical note on the environmental impacts, effectiveness and best practices of the use of chemical retardants, with possible contribution from the government of the State of São Paulo. 

Given the lack of federal regulation, the goal is for the state, led by Faesp, to create a model to encourage the use of chemical retardants to reduce occurrences and mitigate damage caused by fires in agroforestry areas. Tirso Meirelles, president of Faesp, mentions that uncontrolled fires put the lives of rural workers, residents and animals at risk, in addition to causing irreversible damage to property. “This initiative to study ways to reduce fires in the countryside is a big step towards protecting São Paulo's agriculture and livestock sector,” he said. 

“We need to highlight the importance of best practices in the application and accreditation of reliable suppliers, since regulations on this topic are still in their infancy, although there is a consensus on the benefits of the product,” concluded Alberto Sardilli, advisor to the Presidency of Faesp.