The Government of São Paulo continues with the work of the crisis office and the outpost in Ribeirão Preto to monitor and respond promptly to the fires that are affecting the interior of the state. This Monday (26) there are no active fire outbreaks, but 48 municipalities are on high alert for fires, according to monitoring data from the Emergency Management Center (CGE) of the Civil Defense.
With the improvement in the situation regarding fire outbreaks, all highways are now open. The Department of Highways (DER) and Artesp are monitoring the situation to take any action due to possible fire and smoke outbreaks that may hinder visibility.
Today's classes in state schools are maintained, after evaluation by the State Department of Education and the State Civil Defense. The Etecs of Ribeirão Preto, Serrana, São Joaquim da Barra, decentralized class of Morro Agudo, Batatais, Miguelópolis, Franca and Igarapava and at Fatec in Jaboticabal will have remote classes this Monday.
Civil police intensify investigations into fires
The Civil Police are mobilized to investigate all cases of arson in the state, especially those that occur in regions affected by the fires. In addition, three arrests were made in São José do Rio Preto, Batatais and Guaraci.
Since then, more than 15,000 people have been involved in the work of fighting the flames, providing guidance to the population and planning actions. The office brings together professionals from the State Civil Defense and the Public Security (SSP), Agriculture and Supply and Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics (Semil) departments, in addition to the Armed Forces, the Forestry Foundation, DER, Municipal Civil Defense and volunteer firefighters. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas therefore declared a state of emergency for 180 days in 45 municipalities in São Paulo due to the occurrence of forest fires between August 4 and 24. Decree 68.805/2024 was published in the Saturday edition of the State Official Gazette.
In addition, the federal government, through the Armed Forces, sent seven aircraft, including a KC-390, to help combat the fires. Ten aircraft from the State Military Police, in addition to more than 3,000 vehicles, are involved in the actions, including equipment from the state and private companies in the regions.
Weather data
According to meteorologists from the State Civil Defense, this Monday will be marked by predominantly sunny skies over clouds in most of the state of São Paulo. These stable weather conditions are expected to remain throughout the day. As the hours go by, temperatures are expected to gradually rise, making the entire state of São Paulo feel milder. There is no forecast of rain in any of the monitored areas of the state. With the increase in the incidence of sunlight throughout the day, relative humidity levels may drop to critical levels below 30%, except in the eastern region. This scenario increases the risk of forest fires, especially in risk areas.
On Tuesday (27), the day should dawn with predominantly sunny skies and few clouds for the entire state of São Paulo. There is no forecast of rain for any area of the state. Temperatures should gradually rise throughout the day, making the feeling milder. In the afternoon, relative humidity levels should drop significantly, reaching critical levels below 30% in much of the state, except on the coast.
Rural insurance
The Government of São Paulo, through the Department of Agriculture and Supply, is currently providing a record amount of R$100 million to producers affected by the fires as a subsidy for rural insurance. In addition, the amount is offered by the São Paulo Agribusiness Expansion Fund (FEAP), which, in turn, has 15 accredited insurance companies that grant subsidies ranging from R$251 to R$301, depending on the crop in question. Therefore, the limit per rural producer is R$25,000, and any affected farmer can access the credit. The subsidy aims to mitigate the impacts of production losses caused by drought and other adverse weather conditions, and also provides resources for emergency costs.
Emergency plan
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, therefore, announced this Sunday (25) an emergency plan in the Health area to, thus, expand the service capacity of health units in that region, which is, in fact, one of the most critical areas in the state.
Coordinated by the State Department of Health and the Hospital das Clínicas of the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine (HC-FMRP-USP), the package of actions was presented to the 26 municipalities in the region, thus providing for the expansion of telemedicine services. In this context, doctors from the HC will be available 24 hours a day to guide health teams and refer the most serious cases to referral hospitals.
In order to increase emergency care capacity, observation chairs and beds will also be used for fast and effective care. In addition, the most vulnerable populations, those living on the streets and in precarious housing, will also receive hygiene kits with masks and drinking water. In addition, hydration points will be set up in strategic locations in the region.
Another front, defined in a meeting with representatives of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, also foresees a series of measures for basic health units, emergency care units and hospitals, aiming to guarantee the adequate supply of energy, water and data, including the use of water trucks in areas with compromised supply. Therefore, there will be the installation of air conditioners and humidifiers in waiting rooms and wards, thus ensuring a safe environment for patients and health professionals.
Check out the main recommendations for those with respiratory problems:
- Patients with asthma, COPD and allergic rhinitis must maintain regular treatment with their inhaled medication (pumps);
- Those who do not use it frequently should use the inhaler regularly at this time to treat asthma or rhinitis, before symptoms increase;
- Obtain medication used in previous critical conditions and use it as soon as possible if respiratory symptoms begin;
- If possible, stay home. Seal doors and windows;
- If you need to leave the house, wear a mask, preferably PFF2/N95;
- Avoid places with high concentrations of smoke. Smoke is toxic and can cause immediate respiratory problems;
- Anyone who has had direct contact with burning areas and experiences respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, or headache should seek medical attention;
- Drink water. Hydration is very important for the airway. Pay special attention to children and the elderly, as they are at greater risk of dehydration;
- Wash your nose and eyes with saline solution;
- Humidifiers can be used, but they need to be cleaned daily. Use wet towels and basins of water if you do not have a humidifier at home;
- Suspend outdoor physical activity for the next few days.
What to do in case of fires
- If you see a fire or dense smoke, leave the area immediately and seek safe shelter. Inform the Fire Department (193) and Civil Defense (199)
- Pay extra attention when driving.
- Avoid crossing areas with smoke and fire screens. If it is unavoidable, reduce speed, keep your low beam headlights on and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Avoid traveling on closed highways and routes. If necessary, seek safe alternative routes.
- Do not release balloons. Balloons that use fire can cause forest fires.
- Avoid lighting fires, especially near woods and forests.
- Do not use fire to clear land or burn trash. Dispose of your waste properly.
- Carry out controlled burning only when permitted and with authorization from Cetesb.
- On rural properties, build and maintain clean firebreaks to prevent the spread of fire, especially near roads and highways and forested areas.
Source: agrolink
