EN 
PT_BR 
The period of prohibition of the use of fire in the Cerrado and Amazon biomes in Mato Grosso began this Tuesday, July 1st. The measure will continue until November 30th and aims to prevent burning and combat forest fires during the estimated critical period for the occurrence of hot spots in the state.
The Agriculture and Livestock Federation of Mato Grosso (Famato) reinforces to rural producers the importance of being aware of deadlines and current legislation, remembering that in the Pantanal the prohibitive period has been in force since June 1st and extends until December 31st, 2025.
“It is essential that producers do not confuse the deadlines. In the Pantanal, the prohibition period runs until December, while in the Cerrado and Amazon biomes it runs until the end of November. Famato is advising all rural unions and producers to strictly follow the legislation and contribute to the prevention of fires, which put human lives, livestock, jobs and the environment at risk,” highlights Famato’s Environmental Analyst, Tânia Arévalo.
During the prohibition period, any authorization for the use of fire in agricultural activities is suspended, even if it is for controlled burning previously licensed by the State Secretariat for the Environment (Sema). Failure to comply with the rules may result in fines and civil and criminal assessments.
The legislation distinguishes controlled burning, which could be carried out until June 30th with authorization, from forest fires, which are the uncontrolled spread of fire and block immediate combat actions by specialized agencies. In urban areas, it is worth remembering that the use of fire is prohibited throughout the year.
Famato advises producers to build and maintain firebreaks, review firefighting equipment and maintain trained teams in case of need.
As a preventive measure, the Mato Grosso Fire Department authorized, through Joint Normative Instruction No. 02/2025, that rural producers in the Pantanal build firebreaks with a width of 10 to 20 meters per side, without the need for prior authorization from Sema. However, it is necessary for the producer to make a declaratory act and register it with the Fire Department Command through the website: www.bombeiros.mt.gov.br .
Rural producers with properties in the Cerrado and Amazon biomes must maintain firebreaks with a minimum width of 6 meters authorized.
Another recommendation is that, upon identifying any fire, immediately call the Fire Department on 193. A quick response is essential to prevent the fire from spreading and causing major environmental damage and economic losses.
“In addition to complying with legislation, most rural producers are aware that preventing fires means protecting their property, their neighbors and society as a whole,” said analyst Tânia Arévalo.
For more information, Famato's Environmental Center and the rural unions in each region are available to guide producers on the prohibition period and good prevention practices.
