The governor of Mato Grosso do Sul, highlighted in an interview with CNN Brazil the importance of integrated actions to combat the fires that devastate the . Riedel emphasized that preventive and combat measures began in February this year, anticipating a critical period due to adverse weather conditions.
According to the governor, early mobilization and close collaboration with the federal government were essential to face the challenge. “In April, we spoke to the federal government, the federal government was also concerned. And there we began very strong integration work”, stated Riedel.
Integrated and efficient operation
Riedel highlighted the importance of integration between the various agencies and security forces involved in the operation. “The command and control of this entire operation is integrated, because this provides operational efficiency,” explained the governor. He highlighted that the unification of the operational command and control center was a challenge that was successfully overcome.
The operation had the participation of several entities, including Prevfogo, Ibama, Armed Forces, in addition to state agencies. Riedel mentioned that more than a thousand men were at the front, supported by 12 aircraft, characterizing the effort as a ‘war operation’.
Positive results despite adversities
Although the weather conditions were more severe than in 2020, when the largest fire in the history of the Pantanal occurred, the governor stated that the area affected this year was smaller. “We had a smaller affected area, something around a million, million and a half hectares, smaller than in 2020”, compared Riedel.
The governor attributed this positive result to early mobilization and efficient integration between state and federal forces. “This war operation had its effect, avoiding a much greater loss, but integration, in my point of view, was the critical factor in the success of this result”, concluded Eduardo Riedel.
Check out the full interview
