Wildfires in Brazil's southern Sao Paulo state have claimed the lives of at least two individuals, with officials confirming the tragic news on Saturday. The situation has prompted authorities to place at least 36 cities on high alert as they work tirelessly to combat the flames.
State Governor Tarcísio de Freitas emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts to control the wildfires, which have been particularly devastating in the region outside the bustling city of Sao Paulo. With a population exceeding 11 million, Sao Paulo is one of Latin America's most densely populated cities.
Over 7,300 government workers and volunteers have been mobilized across the state to contain the spread of the fires and extinguish them. Governor de Freitas expressed concerns about the potential for the flames to be exacerbated by strong winds, fueled by a combination of a heatwave and drought conditions.
While the city of Sao Paulo itself has largely been spared from the direct impact of the wildfires, social media videos have captured the ominous sight of smoke-filled skies and burning trees lining the highways in rural areas.
Tragically, in the city of Urupes, two employees lost their lives on Friday while attempting to combat a fire at an industrial plant. Details surrounding the incident remain scarce, but the loss serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the ongoing wildfires.
Local news outlet Folha de S.Paulo reported that the region is facing its most severe wildfire outbreak in decades, with a staggering 4,973 fires recorded in the area this year alone. The combination of environmental factors, including the heatwave and drought, has created a perfect storm for the rapid spread of these devastating blazes.
