The state of São Paulo is currently one of many states in flames as Brazil suffers one of its most intense and vigorous droughts in the country's history. More than seventy-five cities are facing over a hundred days without rain, surpassing records and causing countrywide alarm. As the days go by, the untamed fires begin to spread not only into forests but also into the homes of citizens.
The fires in the state of São Paulo started as forest fires, spreading and gaining more power as they burned through the forests, which are extremely vulnerable due to the flammable, dry grass. Newspapers are constantly publishing urgent articles as the fires increase not only in number but also in size. Only a few days ago, on the 7th of September 2024, nearly seven fires were started near São Paulo alone. Most rural cities are located near forests, making it easier for fires to spread. These disasters threaten people's homes and lives as they reach houses, becoming a deadly threat. On the twenty-fifth of June this year, twenty houses were set on fire in the middle of the night, affecting more than sixty people. Fortunately, nobody was killed or injured, but the fire lasted more than eight hours and required about twenty-one fire trucks to control it. This is only a small piece of news compared to what has been happening. The hot flames not only destroy homes, but they also destroy lives, as people have died or had severe injuries due to these fires. On September second, , an area of vegetation was set on fire near a house, where a charred body was found. As previously mentioned, it has become clear that the state of São Paulo is suffering outrageously due to this dry season accompanied by devastating fires, but it is important to highlight the fact that this is happening across the whole country.
Brazil is currently experiencing approximately 76% of the fires in Latin America, reporting more than five thousand fires in the span of a day. The state of São Paulo has reported more than three thousand fires solely during the month of August 2024, which is almost double the number of fires that were reported during the whole year of 2023. The severity of the situation in São Paulo can be easily displayed by showcasing the fact that for two consecutive days, São Paulo became the city with the worst air pollution on a global scale. These fires have catastrophically polluted and devastated cities in the state São Paulo, leading to unfortunate consequences; this raises the question: who is responsible for these fires?
It is fundamental to ask not only what, but more specifically, who could be responsible for these destructive fires. Nowadays, most people record whatever catches their attention, and consequently could end up recording somebody committing illegal acts such as arson. A man was recorded setting a grass field and a house on fire, which ended up killing a person. As a result, the suspect was sent to prison. He was not the only one, as more than twelve people have been arrested due to criminal forest fires and/or arson. Many people deliberately set forests on fire, though sometimes, people also do it unconsciously, with different intentions. A single cigar butt, if thrown into the woods, can cause a forest fire, merely intensifying the situation. The flames are only getting bigger as the dry season lengthens, so it's crucial that people stay aware of the possession of their flammable objects using it consciously and not accidentally setting a forest on fire, or purposely committing a crime.
The state of São Paulo, as the rest of Brazil, is suffering from one of the most serious dry seasons in its history, leading to disastrous fires that are threatening people's homes and lives. These fires could be set either naturally or accidentally; however, many are criminally set by people, so it is therefore fundamental for people to become aware of their surroundings and the threats that they could be exposed to. These fires are contaminating and damaging the cities of São Paulo, leading to deaths and injured citizens, deepening even more the situation. As people wait for the end of a long season, it is important to acknowledge what is going on, to stay aware, to report active fires, and to most importantly, make sure that your surroundings are protected so that disasters can be avoided.
Here you can watch some videos of the fires that are going in São Paulo:
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