Fires in Brazil have become an increasingly serious problem, impacting both the environment and public health. In 2024, the state of São Paulo experienced one of the most critical periods of air pollution ever recorded, largely due to smoke brought by fires in nearby regions. According to data from the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB), the level of fine particulate matter in the air – known as PM2.5 – exceeded the index of 160, making the capital of São Paulo one of the cities with the most polluted air in the world due to several consecutive days. This scenario caused many city residents to face respiratory and cardiovascular problems, with hospitalizations and even deaths directly linked to smoke inhalation (O Povo)(DW).
The phenomenon is not new, but the intensity and proximity of the fires around the city meant that pollution reached critical levels into the ground, a situation that did not occur frequently in previous years. The prolonged drought, associated with agricultural and criminal deforestation practices, has accelerated the spread of these fires, turning green areas around São Paulo into real fire spots. The pollution generated by these fires contains materials that are extremely harmful to health, such as particles that penetrate deeply into the lungs and even the bloodstream, resulting in high risks of heart attacks, strokes and other complications (WD).
To face this crisis, the population has a fundamental role in reducing fires and the pollution generated by them. Reporting illegal activities, such as criminal fires or unauthorized deforestation, is one of the main ways to contribute directly. Many fires are caused by negligent or malicious human actions, and without pressure from society to punish them, these environmental crimes will continue to happen. Awareness about the use of fire in rural areas is also vital, as even small fires can turn into large fires during the dry season.
Furthermore, supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and reforestation initiatives is also a form of action. Several NGOs work tirelessly to recover degraded areas and protect biomes threatened by fires. Participating in these projects, whether with donations or volunteer work, helps restore ecosystems and reduce the environmental impact of fires.
Changes in daily behavior can also make a difference. Reducing the carbon footprint, opting for more sustainable forms of transport and avoiding the consumption of products that encourage deforestation, is a way to reduce pressure on natural areas that are often the target of fires. It is necessary to understand that, even living in urban areas far from fires, our consumption choices and lifestyle directly affect the health of Brazilian biomes.
Finally, it is crucial that society mobilizes to demand more effective public policies from local and federal governments to combat fires. Laws that protect the environment need to be reinforced, and monitoring of these areas must be constant to prevent the spread of fires and deforestation. Only with the union of the population, institutions and public authorities will it be possible to contain the spread of fires in Brazil and their devastating impacts on health and the environment.
