Wildfires rage in Brazil, two dead, cities on high alert

Wildfires in Brazil’s southern Sao Paulo state have killed at least two people and put 36 cities on high alert, officials said Saturday.
Local and federal authorities are increasing efforts to control the flames driven by a heat wave and a drought, reported AP.
The fires are raging in the region outside the city of Sao Paulo, home to more than 11 million residents and one of Latin America’s most populous cities.Social media videos show smoke-filled skies and burning trees along highways in rural areas.

Sao Paulo state Gov Tarcísio de Freitas stated that at least 7,300 government workers and volunteers have been deployed across the state to manage the situation. “Contain the advance and put out these fires,” de Freitas told journalists. He warned that strong winds might further fan the flames.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s cabinet also held an emergency meeting in the aftermath of which environment minister Marina Silva declared an all-out offensive to combat the blaze. She described the circumstances that led to the widespread destruction and chaos as an “atypical situation” and confirmed that federal law enforcement agencies had launched an investigation into the matter.
The government has also deployed military aircraft to assist in the “war” against wildfires. It also reported that in Urupes, two industrial plant employees died on Friday while trying to combat a fire, though other details were scarce.
Local news organization Folha de S Paulo indicated that this year, the region has experienced the worst wildfires in decades, with 4,973 fires reported.