The Minas Gerais Military Fire Department (CBMMG) is actively combating vegetation fires during one of the harshest drought seasons in recent years.
The efforts, coordinated with other Fire Prevention Task Force agencies, are focused on Conservation Units across the state.
This week, two significant fires erupted in state parks, prompting rapid response to minimize damage to local communities and the environment.
One of the fires, which began on August 18, impacted the Environmental Protection Area of Serra do Cipó Park.
After intense firefighting efforts involving CBMMG and ICMBio agents, the fire was successfully extinguished on August 21.
Another major fire in Serra da Moeda required the deployment of over 134 agents, along with air and ground support, to protect nearby communities and prevent evacuations.
Since July 8, CBMMG has maintained an active structure aimed at improving the coordination of forest fire prevention and response.
The Operational Coordination Room uses computerized systems to monitor hot spots via satellite in the state’s Conservation Units and their buffer zones.
When a threat is detected, the room quickly activates field teams and manages combat resources, including air and ground support, to ensure an efficient response.
Command posts are established for each operation, facilitating integration with other agencies and firefighters.
These posts serve as hubs for disaster management, utilizing georeferencing tools and field strategies to protect communities and manage resources according to the priorities of each region.
To further enhance firefighting efforts, CBMMG has installed operational bases in strategic Conservation Units, where there has been a high incidence of fires over the last decade.
These bases, located in areas such as Serra do Cabral State Park and APA Cochá and Gibão, are equipped with resources to reduce response times and improve combat effectiveness.
The Cochá and Gibão bases, in particular, feature logistical autonomy, including a helipad, communication tools, and essential supplies for firefighting teams.
In addition to combat operations, these bases are integral to CBMMG’s preventive actions, which include community outreach, educational programs in schools, and raising awareness about the environmental and public health impacts of fires.
The Government of Minas Gerais has allocated R$9.8 million to support CBMMG’s fire prevention and combat efforts.
This funding is being used to acquire firefighting equipment, rent trucks and Air Tractor model aircraft, and provide specialized training for CBMMG personnel.
These investments aim to enhance the speed and quality of firefighting operations across the state, ensuring that CBMMG can continue its mission during this critical period.
The Minas Gerais Military Fire Department (CBMMG) is tackling significant vegetation fires amid a severe drought in the state.
Coordinated with other agencies, CBMMG’s efforts focus on Conservation Units.
The department’s response includes centralized management through the Operational Coordination Room, which monitors fires using satellite data and deploys resources swiftly.
Strategic operational bases have been established in high-risk areas to improve response times.
The Government of Minas Gerais has invested R$9.8 million in fire prevention and combat initiatives, including equipment procurement and specialized training.
The operation is set to continue through mid-October, with the possibility of extension depending on weather conditions.
