FIRE BAN PERIOD BEGINS IN MATO GROSSO'S PANTANAL

As of Sunday (June 1), the use of fire for managing rural areas in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso is officially prohibited. The ban, which remains in effect until December 31, applies across the entire portion of the biome located within the state.

The restriction is established under Decree No. 1,403/2025 and aims to prevent and combat wildfires in the Pantanal—especially during the dry season, when weather conditions heighten the risk and spread of fires.

A key component of the decree is the activation of the Central Situation Room (SSC), responsible for monitoring incidents throughout the fire-ban period.

New Measure Introduced in 2025

This year’s decree introduces a significant innovation: the creation of a Decentralized Situation Room in the municipality of Poconé, one of the main gateways to the Pantanal in Mato Grosso. This advanced operational base will enable real-time monitoring of fire incidents and ensure rapid deployment of response teams to affected areas.

Strategic Plan

The initiatives outlined in the decree are part of the Mato Grosso Military Fire Department’s (CBMMT) strategic plan for tackling the wildfire season. The state has earmarked R$ 125 million for fire suppression and combating illegal deforestation in 2025.

Regulations in Other Biomes

In the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, the fire ban will be enforced from July 1 through November 30. During this period, all controlled burn permits issued by the State Secretariat for the Environment (SEMA) will be suspended.

However, the restriction does not apply to controlled burns carried out or supervised by authorized public agencies involved in wildfire prevention and suppression efforts.

Violators of the decree may face penalties including fines, equipment seizure, and potential criminal prosecution under Brazilian environmental law.

Additional Situation Rooms

In addition to the Poconé unit, seven other Decentralized Situation Rooms will be established in municipalities hosting CBMMT Regional Command posts. All units will be integrated and monitored by the Central Situation Room, under the general coordination of CBMMT’s Operational Directorate.