Semas participates in training of firefighters for combating forest fires in Pará

Focusing on the prevention and confrontation of forest fires, the State Secretariat for the Environment, Climate and Sustainability of Pará (Semas) participates in the training course for firefighters, which integrates strategic initiatives to confront the outbreaks of forest fires in the Pará territory. The action promoted by the National Center for Prevention and Combating Forest Fires (PREVFOGO/IBAMA) is a partnership with the Belém Superintendence of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA).

The course is being held this week in the Las Casas indigenous territory, located in the municipality of Pau D'Arco, in southeastern Pará, and will continue until Friday (20), with the participation of Semas and the Institute for Forest Development and Biodiversity of Pará (Ideflor-Bio) staff. The total course load of 40 hours develops theoretical and practical classes, covering topics such as concepts, integrated fire management, and firefighting techniques, as well as the use of equipment and the application of safety regulations.

Volunteers also learned about fire behavior, propagation factors, and types of fires. The goal is to enhance integration among environmental agencies in confronting the critical forest fire season in the state.

On the first day, the teams dedicated themselves to recognizing the region and identifying priority areas for management. During the action, participants learned about prescribed burning, a technique that uses fire in a planned, controlled, and safe manner to prevent large-scale forest fires.

One of the course participants, Kevin Alfaia, from the Environmental Licensing Directorate of Semas (DLA), highlighted the importance of training for forest fire control practices.

"The course arose from a partnership between Prevfogo/Ibama and Semas; I volunteered as soon as I learned about the opportunity, as it sparked my curiosity to understand the work of firefighters and to be able to participate, in practice, in these actions. As an environmental engineer and technician in an environmental secretariat, I consider it essential to acquire this knowledge about prevention and control practices for forest fires, which, as we know, have been occurring with increasing intensity each year," he said.

Between June 23 and 24, Prevfogo will also conduct the selection and training of firefighters in the municipality of Moju, in northeastern Pará. The teams will focus on Integrated Fire Management (MIF), through preventive and strategic actions in areas with a higher risk of fire.

Public Policy - With the publication of Decree No. 4,739, dated June 17, 2025, the Government of Pará officially established the Pará Without Fire Program, aimed at combating forest fires. The new policy aims to prevent and combat forest fires in the State, ensuring the protection of natural resources, ecosystems, and local communities. The program also emphasizes the importance of dialogue with these communities, respect for traditional knowledge, and strengthening community and volunteer brigades.

Text by Mário Gouveia / Ascom Semas