The Brazilian government has deployed military planes to combat wildfires sweeping through Sao Paulo state. More than 40 cities in the region are on high alert as the fires continue to spread.
Minister Waldez Goes announced that four planes, including a KC-390 Embraer, will be used to fight the flames and monitor affected areas. The KC-390, a troop transport craft adapted to carry up to 12,000 liters of water, will play a key role in the firefighting efforts.
One of the cities most at risk is Ribeirao Preto, home to over 700,000 people and located about 185 miles from Sao Paulo. Some residents in upscale neighborhoods have already been forced to evacuate due to the worsening conditions. Videos shared on social media show the city shrouded in smoke, with one resident describing the scene as “apocalyptic” as thick smoke darkened the sky in the middle of the afternoon.
Tragically, two factory workers lost their lives on Friday while battling a fire in Urupes, in the northern part of the state. The situation remains critical as authorities continue their efforts to control the fires and protect the affected communities.
