Smoke from the fires prevents flights of aircraft fighting fires in AM, says Ibama

Smoke from forest fires in Amazonas reduced visibility and hampered aerial operations to combat the flames this Saturday (17), according to the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). The conditions prevented flights at the two airports used by the teams in Manaus and the resumption depends on improved visibility.

The operation is part of a federal government task force to combat fires in the state, which also cause worsening air quality. This Saturday, Manaus once again recorded the worst air quality index among Brazilian capitals, according to the international platform IQAir. The index rose from 441 points at 6 am to 657 at 8:40 am, classified as "dangerous".

In a statement, Ibama explained that aircraft must meet minimum visibility requirements to fly safely. When smoke prevents these limits from being reached, operations are suspended.

The agency's expectation is that conditions will improve throughout the day, allowing flights to resume. The KC-390 aircraft, from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), will also return to operation after the completion of maintenance services.

Aircraft are distributed between Manaus and the interior

Ibama reported that it adjusted the distribution of aircraft used to fight fires, taking into account atmospheric conditions and the range of equipment.

The planning foresees the following structure:

Parintins: two Air Tractor planes, starting on Sunday (18);

Itacoatiara: two Air Tractor planes and one state Civil Defense aircraft;

Manaus: two Air Tractor planes, one KC-390 and three helicopters.

Air Tractor planes are used to drop water on areas affected by fire. The KC-390 can dump large volumes of water or flame retardant liquid.

Helicopters transport firefighters and equipment and support teams on the ground.

Smoke had already hampered air operations

On Monday (12), smoke also prevented part of the air operations to combat fires in Amazonas. That day, according to information released by Ibama, only the KC-390 and three helicopters managed to fly. The helicopters were used in logistical support missions.

Also on Monday, Ibama aircraft dropped more than 10 thousand liters of water on fires in the Metropolitan Region of Manaus. Until that afternoon, the teams had accumulated 67.2 hours of flight time.

In total, the federal reinforcement announced for the state includes six Air Tractor planes, a KC-390, three helicopters and a Caravan plane, used in logistics activities.

Agencies issue alerts and advise the population to protect themselves from smoke

At around 8:13 am this Saturday, the State Civil Defense issued a severe risk alert for air quality. In view of the smoke, the agency recommended the use of a mask when leaving home and that residents avoid exposure to the pollutant.

In case of emergency, the population can call the Civil Defense at 199 or the Fire Department at 193.

Manaus City Hall also published guidelines to reduce exposure to smoke from fires. Recommendations include drinking plenty of water, keeping doors and windows closed and humidifying the environment.

The municipality also advised the use of a mask when leaving home and avoiding physical activities outdoors. The city hall also warned that causing fires is a crime and asked that cases be reported by calling 153 or via the website: slim.manaus.am.gov.br.