Canaçari Community, in Itacoatiara, has been burning for 20 days

The fire in the Lago do Canaçari region, in the rural area of ​​Itacoatiara, in the interior of Amazonas, reached its 20th day this Friday (9). According to inspection bodies, the affected area totals 1,300 hectares, the equivalent of around 1,867 football fields.

Smoke once again covered the city in the early hours of Friday. During the night, air quality worsened in the urban area and Civil Defense issued an alert recommending the use of masks and that the population avoid prolonged exposure to smoke.

Residents reported to Rede Amazônica that soot and difficulty breathing have been part of their routine for around two weeks.

According to the Municipal Environment Secretariat (Semma), the fire in Lago do Canaçari is isolated, but there are still active outbreaks. To prevent the flames from advancing, residents opened firebreaks, strips of clean vegetation that help contain the fire. They also continue to monitor the area.

Fighting the flames brings together teams from the Fire Department, Itacoatiara Civil Defense and Semma.

Data from the Fire Panel, from the Management and Operational Center of the Amazon Protection System (Censipam), indicate 91 records of fires in Itacoatiara in the first eight days of October.

Semma reported that it is investigating the authorship of environmental crimes. Until the publication of this report, eight suspects of causing fires had been identified. The cases will be forwarded to the Civil Police of Amazonas (PC-AM) and the Public Ministry of Amazonas (MPAM) for legal action.

Other fires in rural areas

In addition to Lago do Canaçari, there are fires in other locations in the rural area of Itacoatiara, such as Jacarezinho, Rio Arari and Rio Urubu.

In the Jacarezinho region, the fire reached its third day this Friday (9). The burned area totals 256.71 hectares, the equivalent of around 360 football fields.

According to Semma, firefighters managed to reach the front where the flames were spreading and isolate part of the perimeter. The fight continues, as there are still active outbreaks.

In the Rio Urubu region, new fires were identified after crossing data from the Fire Panel with reports made by residents.