Enviro News Asia, Brazil – Recorded the lowest number of wildfire outbreaks in the first seven months of 2025, reaching approximately 30,000 incidents, according to the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe).
This marks the smallest figure for the period since 2013, when 28,000 cases were reported.
The decline follows extensive measures implemented by the federal government to prevent and control forest fires.
Authorities increased the number of firefighters, expanded equipment, and adopted prescribed burns to mitigate risks during the dry season, which typically peaks in August.
Wildfire outbreaks in the Amazon dropped from 30,000 cases in early 2024 to 7,000 this year, while in the Pantanal, incidents decreased from 6,600 to only 126.
Officials attribute these results to improved climatic conditions after El Niño ended and to coordinated actions involving federal, state, and municipal governments.
Brazil now has the largest federal firefighting force in its history, totaling 4,385 professionals, representing a 26 percent increase from 2024. The government has also expanded its aerial resources, adding 11 helicopters for Ibama’s operations, and invested more than BRL 45 million in new vehicles between 2023 and 2025.
Funding from the Amazon Fund contributed BRL 405 million to strengthen fire departments across the Legal Amazon and, for the first time, extended support to Cerrado and Pantanal regions.
In addition, Law No. 15.143/2025 now allows direct fund transfers to municipalities, shortens firefighter rehiring intervals, and authorizes the use of foreign aircraft in emergencies.
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva emphasized Brazil’s role in setting global standards.
“Brazil has been working to lead by example. Every year, we must surpass ourselves,” she said during the July 2025 anniversary of the National Policy for Integrated Fire Management.
President of Ibama Rodrigo Agostinho highlighted that enhanced infrastructure has improved the country’s response capacity.
He noted that resources from last year’s crisis were used to strengthen prevention systems and to prepare the country for faster and more effective operations.
Preparations are also underway in Belém, Pará, where Brazil will host COP30 in November. Ibama and ICMBio are creating firebreaks and conducting prescribed burns to secure conservation areas and urban surroundings.
João Moreira, environmental analyst at ICMBio, explained that conservation units along the BR-63 highway are the primary focus, given their vulnerability to fire.
Experts warn that climate change and deforestation continue to increase fire risks. “Under normal conditions, humid forests suppress fire. But with rising temperatures, water shortages, and deforestation, they become more vulnerable, turning into fuel,” said André Lima, Special Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment.
COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago urged the global community to recognize the role of forests in slowing climate change.
In his first letter to international stakeholders, he stressed that reversing deforestation and restoring ecosystems could generate large-scale carbon removals and support sustainable economic opportunities. (*)
