Wildfires increase by over 200% in Amazonas

By Jadson Lima – From Cenarium

MANAUS (AM) – Data from the Amazonas Secretariat of Public Security (SSP-AM), consulted by CENARIUM this Saturday, the 22nd, indicate that the number of environmental crimes in the state increased in 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. This growth was driven by deliberate forest fires, which surged by over 214%, with 131 more incidents recorded than in 2023.

Throughout 2024, 192 incidents were recorded, an alarming increase compared to the 61 registered in the previous year. The SSP-AM classifies forest fire crimes into two categories: deliberate and accidental. In 2023, nine accidental infractions occurred, where the perpetrator had no intention of causing the crime. This number dropped to three in 2024.

Statistics from the Integrated Centre for Public Security Statistics (Ciesp) indicate that most infractions occurred between August and September, totalling 149 incidents, which represents 77.60% of the total. This period coincides with the state’s dry season, which, over the past two years, has faced record droughts and high temperatures.

The majority of cases during this period are concentrated in the southern region of Amazonas, known as the “Arc of Fire.” The municipality of Canutama (AM), located 619 kilometres from Manaus, recorded 28 incidents in just two months, while in Boca do Acre (AM), 1,028 kilometres from the state capital, the number of deliberate fires reached 27. All data refers to the months of August and September last year.

Last year, the Amazonas government hired 85 firefighters to combat the fires recorded in the southern part of the state, in the municipalities of Novo Aripuanã, Boca do Acre, Apuí, Lábrea, and Humaitá. Additionally, an integrated operation was launched to combat environmental crimes. Data shows that this region accounts for approximately 85% of deforestation and wildfire crimes.

CENARIUM questioned the SSP-AM about the number of arrests made and whether the data for the years 2021 and 2022 had been updated correctly. According to the department, six wildfires were recorded in 2021 and 13 in 2022. No response has been received so far.

Indigenous Peoples Fight Against Wildfires

CENARIUM reported in its November print edition last year that Indigenous peoples living in the southern region of the state are themselves fighting wildfires and the impacts of the climate crisis in the Caititu Indigenous Territory (IT), located in Lábrea (AM). One of the records made at the time shows volunteer firefighters equipped with basic tools such as water pouches, hoes, machetes, and fire beaters, walking for hours to reach the fire outbreaks deep in the forest.

The head of the Caititu Indigenous Land fire brigade, Raimundinha Aripuanã, told the reporting team on-site at the time that the challenges they face are intensified by the fact that residents must choose between working to sustain their families or fighting fires voluntarily. She also pointed out that they do not have their own vehicle to reach fire-affected areas.

“Many do not want to participate because they would have to give up a day’s wage elsewhere to support their families, exchanging it for volunteer work. There have been times when we were all ready to leave but couldn’t reach the fire site due to a lack of transport. The brigade does not have its own vehicle, making the work extremely difficult. When a major emergency arises, we carry as much equipment as possible on a tricycle and walk the rest of the way,” said Apurinã.

Edited by Izaías Godinho
Reviewed by Gustavo Gilona
Translated from English by Gustô Alves