Severe Wildfires Crisis in Brazil's Sao Paulo State

Brazil is experiencing a severe wildfire crisis, particularly in Sao Paulo state, where fires have affected or are threatening 30 cities and claimed two lives at an industrial plant in Urupes. The fires, fueled by dry, hot weather and strong winds, have led to smoke covering parts of Brasília and São Paulo, grounding flights, and closing schools. The state government has declared an emergency and formed a committee to manage the situation, with federal police investigating the causes. Environment Minister Marina Silva described the situation as a 'veritable war against fire and crime,' highlighting the unprecedented nature of the fires. This year has seen early and intense wildfires in Brazil's critical biomes, including the Amazon and the Pantanal wetlands, exacerbated by severe drought and the El Niño phenomenon.