Brazilian farmers are taking an active role in protecting their land and wildlife, collaborating closely with the country’s fire department to combat the growing threat of wildfires.

As climate change intensifies, rising temperatures and recurring droughts elevate the risk of wildfires, jeopardizing both agricultural output and natural ecosystems. According to a report by the World Bank, wildfires are projected to inflict a staggering $35.9 billion in damage on Brazil’s economy in 2024, accounting for about 1.5% of the national GDP, with the agriculture sector alone facing an impact of $17.1 billion.

Data from the Global Forest Watch reveals that Brazil registered 53,918 visible infrared imaging radiometer suite (VIIRS) fire alerts between February 24, 2025, and February 23, 2026. While this number appears low compared to previous years, the danger remains, especially during the peak fire season which begins in August, coinciding with the safrinha harvest and the dry season.

Improvements in fire management have been achieved over the years, largely due to government initiatives and the active participation of farmers and indigenous communities. Fire Chief Flávio Glêdson Vieira Bezerra highlighted these advancements during a February 7 presentation in the Pantanal region, organized by Aprosoja (the Brazilian Association of Soybean Producers).

Innovative Approaches to Fire Management

Looking ahead, Brazil’s fire authorities are embracing technology in their fire management strategies. This includes the use of drones for firefighting and AI-enabled real-time monitoring systems, combined with IoT sensors on farms and machinery, to facilitate quicker responses to fires.

Farmers as First Responders

Farmers frequently act as the first line of defense during fire emergencies. Their prompt actions have significantly improved response times, resulting in 64% of fire reports being resolved within 24 hours, according to Bezerra.

Brazilian law imposes serious penalties on farmers responsible for fires that cause deforestation or environmental destruction, as dictated by the 1965 Forest Code. For example, a recent court ruling required a rancher who set fire to a section of the Amazon rainforest to pay $50 million for restoration and damages.

Farm fires not only devastate crops but also consume essential organic material in the soil, which can take up to five years to regenerate. Lucas Costa Beber, a farmer and president of Aprosoja-MT, emphasized during the presentation that this depletion means reduced agricultural yields until soil health is restored.

To minimize the risk of fires, farmers are adjusting their harvesting schedules. Costa Beber, for instance, prefers to harvest corn between 4:00 PM and 4:00 AM to lower exposure to high winds, dry conditions, and soaring temperatures that can ignite fires. He also keeps a water tank nearby to swiftly address any fires that might arise from machinery malfunctions or extreme weather conditions.