As reported by the Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Governor Cláudio Castro has announced the formation of a crisis cabinet aimed at intensifying the fight against forest fires in the region.
This announcement comes as the state has seen a sharp rise in fire incidents, with the Fire Department responding to 15,636 cases so far in 2024—an increase of 4,598 from 2023.
In addition to establishing the cabinet, Governor Castro highlighted a significant financial investment into the Fire Department, totaling over R$1 billion.
These funds have been allocated to improve operational efficiency, upgrade salaries, renew the department’s fleet, and introduce new technology.
Of this total, R$115 million was specifically directed towards fighting forest fires.
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of Colonel Tarciso Antônio de Salles Junior as the new Secretary of Civil Defense and General Commander of the Fire Department.
Colonel Salles Junior has over two decades of experience in the Fire Department and has previously held key leadership positions, including Inspector General of the Health Department and Inspector General of the Fire Department from 2019 to 2020.
Colonel Salles Junior expressed his gratitude during the ceremony: “I thank Governor Cláudio Castro for his trust and I reaffirm my commitment to the military, to the technological advancement of the corporation and, mainly, to the safety of the population of Rio de Janeiro.”
In a move to further strengthen the firefighting workforce, the State Government also completed the training of 500 new firefighters.
Among the graduates are 230 soldiers specialized as drivers and vehicle operators, 150 soldiers who will serve as rescue boat operators, and 100 musicians who have been trained as sergeants.
The new firefighters underwent eight months of rigorous training at the Training and Improvement Center for Soldiers in Guadalupe.
The program included courses in firefighting techniques, pre-hospital care, and other essential skills specific to their operational roles.
Governor Castro emphasized the importance of these developments, noting that the Fire Department had previously faced significant challenges in terms of infrastructure and personnel.
According to the Governor, these new initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernize the Fire Department and ensure the safety of residents across Rio de Janeiro.
The allocated R$1 billion will be distributed across several areas, including upgrading facilities and providing the necessary resources for firefighters to efficiently carry out their duties.
These steps aim to better equip the department for handling the growing number of fire-related emergencies.
The State of Rio de Janeiro has introduced a crisis cabinet to combat a rise in forest fires, with 15,636 incidents recorded this year, an increase of 4,598 from 2023.
Governor Cláudio Castro has invested over R$1 billion to strengthen the Fire Department, with R$115 million specifically allocated for firefighting operations.
Colonel Tarciso de Salles Junior was appointed as the new Secretary of Civil Defense, and 500 new firefighters have completed training to join the force.
The governor’s efforts aim to modernize the department and enhance safety across the state.