The fire that is consuming Brasilia National Park and has left part of the Brazilian capital engulfed in smoke continues to advance on Monday (Sep. 16). The fire has consumed 700 hectares of the environmental protection area, according to environment protection institute ICMBio. The Federal Police are investigating the origin of the fire.
A dense, dark column of smoke can be seen rising from the park, also known as Água Mineral. With 146 days without rain this year in the Federal District, the hot, dry weather is making it difficult for the teams to work and facilitating the spread of the flames.
The last major fire in Brasília National Park was recorded in 2022. At the time, the fire consumed 7,700 hectares—20 percent of the area.
Brazil’s Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva said Brazil is experiencing climate terrorism, as people have been using high temperatures and low humidity to set fire to the country, damaging people’s health, biodiversity, and forests.
“There is a nationwide ban on the use of fire, but there are those who are engaging in real climate terrorism,” she said in an interview with media outlets on Saturday (Sep. 14).
She stressed it is essential that all the engaged public agents continue to act, as these actions have a purpose. Only two states are not experiencing drought, the minister pointed out, further arguing for stricter penalties for those who commit this crime. As it stands today, the penalty ranges from one to four years in prison. The Minister said that 17 people have been arrested and 50 inquiries opened so far.
Source: Agência Brasil