Reports of illegal fires double in Oiapoque and lead to 5 suspects being arrested in three days

Five people were arrested red-handed in the last three days in Oiapoque, in the far north of Amapá, suspected of causing illegal fires and environmental crimes. The arrests took place during an emergency operation launched to contain the wave of fires and smoke that has hit the municipality since October.

Progress in investigations was driven by the population itself. In just two days, the hotline of the 12th Military Police Battalion (PM) received 28 complaints, more than double the average previously recorded in the region.

"This positive balance was only possible due to all the investment from the State Government, the integration of public security bodies and, mainly, the participation of society. The reporting channel was fundamental for us to achieve this result (...)", stated the deputy general commander of the PM, Colonel Patrick Costa.

Border fire escalation

The reinforcement in inspection comes after the creation of a crisis office to deal with the severe drought in the border region. Data from the Amapá Fire Panel, from the State Secretariat for the Environment (Sema), show that Oiapoque recorded 1,691 hot spots between August 1st and November 9th of this year, ranking among the most critical points in the state in the period.

The volume represents an increase of 228% compared to the same period in 2025. Given the emergency scenario, the federal government this week authorized the transfer of R$993,311.04 for response actions in the municipality.

The ordinance releasing the funds, requested from the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development (MIDR), was published in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU).

Aerial monitoring

To identify who causes the fires and map the affected areas, the police started using drones and intelligence teams, in addition to three extra vehicles sent to the municipality.

The police work together with the Civil Defense and the Fire Department, which have been operating in the region since the beginning of the dry season.

In addition to holding suspects criminally responsible, the teams carry out environmental guidance and provide assistance to residents affected by smoke and lack of water. Intensified inspection at the border continues with no end date.