We are approaching the dry season, in which the air humidity is much lower, leaving the climate drier. During this period, any small outbreak of fire can spread and cause great damage. Allied to this, the illegal practice of burning increases and, unfortunately, this bad habit is common throughout the region.

The moment causes alert to the Secretariat for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Socorro. “Most fires are the result of human action. Seemingly harmless behavior, such as lighting bonfires or releasing balloons, can turn into real tragedies”, comments the Secretary for the Environment and Sustainable Development, João Preto de Godoy.

The practice of burning can cause catastrophic results for ecological systems and the population itself. Fire affects properties, puts people's lives at risk, kills animals, destroys natural reserves, springs, leaves land unproductive and, if in contact with the electrical grid, can leave neighborhoods and even entire cities without energy. The damage is irreparable not only to nature, but also to people's health. Smoke causes respiratory diseases, especially in children and the elderly.

There are federal, state and even municipal laws against fires. In Socorro, Municipal Law 3825/2014 is in operation and when the intention of the act is proven, fines are applied. The purpose of the law is to prevent fires, protecting areas, whether forested or not, from the fires that have occurred too often. “We have to make people aware that this is a crime and that setting fire is subject to a fine, property interdiction and even apprehension of the person responsible for the burning. It is not the intention to harm anyone, but when the law is not complied with, we have to apply the fine”, adds Secretary João.

The Copaíba Environmental Association has also expressed its opposition to this action and for years has contributed to actions to raise awareness among the population. “Last year, the fires were very intense. The estimate was approximately 2,000 hectares of areas affected by fires in the region, in the last dry season alone. The environmental damage is incalculable”, explains Flávia Balderi, Executive Secretary of Copaíba.

Burning is a crime! The law is for everyone and must be obeyed. Both the Socorro Environment Department and Copaíba reinforce that any citizen can report this crime. The official channels of complaint are the phones of the Environment Department 3895-9617 and Inspection 3895-9632.