Lightning Triggers New Blaze as Trails Close in Chapada dos Veadeiros

Overview

• ICMBio said a lightning strike ignited a fire near the Sete Quedas crossing on Oct. 14, prompting the removal of campers and the closure of all park traverses, while the São Jorge visitation area remains open.
• Two of the three large fires reported since late September have been controlled, and one front persists outside the park in the Nova Roma region.
• The agency estimates the burned area across all focuses is nearing 80,000 hectares, with monitoring in place to prevent rekindles and to support fauna rescue.
• About 211 personnel from ICMBio, Ibama/Prevfogo, state brigades and partner groups remain deployed in suppression and patrol operations.
• Authorities suspect criminal ignition in earlier outbreaks, reporting two detentions, potential fines that can reach R$50 million and notifications to at least 30 rural landowners based on satellite analysis.