Devastating Fires Engulf Sugarcane Plantations in Sao Paulo

Four men have been arrested for setting fires that have destroyed thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in Brazil’s northern Sao Paulo state. The fires have caused extensive damage, restricted outdoor activities, and disrupted highways and airport operations. Environmental experts link the fires to climate change and deforestation.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of setting fires that have destroyed thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in Brazil's northern Sao Paulo state, the government announced on Monday.

Over the weekend, the fires rapidly spread through parched fields at the peak of the country's dry season, affecting an area that has not seen rain for months. The smoke cloaked nearby cities, restricting outdoor activities and disrupting highways and airport operations due to low visibility. Governor Tarcisio de Freitas cited a combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity as factors contributing to the rapid spread of the fires.

Three suspects were arrested with gasoline containers, and a fourth was apprehended while setting fire to grass. Federal police are investigating the fires as suspected arson. The region has faced increased wildfire frequency due to dry weather, exacerbated by climate change and deforestation. Chief Megaron Txucarramae of the Xingu Park called for urgent assistance in controlling a fire in Brazil's most famous Indigenous reservation.

Governor Freitas stated that no new fires were burning in the sugarcane fields, but dozens of towns remained on high alert. In Ribeirao Preto, school classes were canceled due to smoke. The damage to farm crops is estimated at over 1 billion reais ($182 million). Raizen SA, Brazil's largest sugar group, resumed operations at its Santa Elisa mill after evacuation due to nearby fires.

(With inputs from agencies.)