Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Bracell Uses Drones and Thermal Cameras to Fight Wildfires, Protecting Plantations and Native Areas and Controlling Uncontrolled Burns.
Bracell has implemented new technologies aimed at improving the detection and control of wildfires. The use of drones and thermal cameras has allowed for more effective monitoring, ensuring the protection of both plantations and native areas. With this innovation, the company is not only able to quickly identify fire hotspots but also to act more effectively to prevent them from spreading.
Moreover, this technological approach has been fundamental in controlling uncontrolled burns. With the help of the cameras, it is possible to detect signs of fire that could evolve into large wildfires. The flames are fought quickly and precisely, minimizing damage to vegetation. The use of these modern tools aligns with Bracell’s commitment to environmental conservation, ensuring a proactive and careful response to environmental challenges.
Use of Technology in Fighting Wildfires
Photo: Bracell Collection Bracell has heavily invested in technology to enhance surveillance and combat against wildfires, especially in its areas of influence in Bahia and other states. By using drones and thermal cameras, the company detects heat spots more efficiently, significantly contributing to its firefighting strategy, especially in the early stages.
-
Seen from space, a colossal volcano nearly 5,000 meters high in Russia has released 1,600 km of smoke over the Pacific, forming “devil’s horns” of lava and revealing the brutal force of the Ring of Fire.
-
Expedition 501: Scientists drill into the ocean floor and discover a giant reserve of fresh water hidden beneath the sea, extracting nearly 50,000 liters and revealing an invisible system that could reshape the map of water scarcity.
-
Archaeologists find an intact tomb over 2,500 years old, with more than 100 preserved objects, weapons, jewelry, and human remains never touched.
-
Volcanic lava transforms into threads as fine as human hair that travel over 30 kilometers by wind and fall like cutting rain on roofs and backyards in Hawaii and Iceland.
Douglas Pithon, who serves as the Senior Asset Security Manager at Bracell, commented on how these technologies have increased effectiveness and reduced costs in addressing wildfires, even in adverse conditions. He highlighted that the thermal cameras are extremely effective, capable of identifying very small heat spots, which prevents the flames from spreading.
In addition to being a crucial support against fire, these devices play an important role in preventing illegal activities, such as poaching and illegal logging, as they can identify individuals and objects in low-visibility environments.
Advanced Strategies in Fire Control
Josemar de Jesus Santos, who supervises the Bracell Fire Brigade in Bahia, emphasized that the use of drones and thermal cameras makes wildfire containment actions faster and more effective. These devices provide detailed information about the amount of heat generated by the burns, allowing for evaluation of whether the fire could spread to other areas and the development of the combat strategy, either by cooling the edges of the fire or using a foam blanket to slow the advance of the flames.
These initiatives also protect not only Bracell’s eucalyptus plantations but also native forest areas, ensuring that neighboring properties are safeguarded from potential wildfires, thus protecting the health and lives of people.
Records and Prevention of Incidents
The drones used comply with regulations and are operated by qualified professionals from the fire brigade, with all flight plans properly authorized by the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac). The integrated system for incident records uses mobile devices that send accurate information to the central server, indicating the location of fire hotspots.
The Friends of the Forest program, an initiative from Bracell since 2016, also employs these cutting-edge technologies. This initiative not only combats wildfires but also seeks to prevent timber theft, illegal deforestation, poaching, and trapping of wild animals. This effort is carried out in partnership with civil society and public agencies, such as the Fire Department and the Bahia Without Fire program, coordinated by the State of Bahia’s Department of Environment.
Awareness and Community Actions
Josemar highlights the importance of the Friends of the Forest program in raising awareness among local communities about the risks of wildfires. Brigade statistics show that 99% of wildfires originate from human actions, whether from uncontrolled burns or arson, which often lead the fire to spread to preservation and planting areas.
To prevent these issues, Bracell teams maintain constant contact with communities, providing guidance on how to clean land safely without putting forests at risk. Voluntarily, these teams also distribute basic food baskets to families in situations of social vulnerability.
Another notable point is the availability of the phone line 0800 284 4747, for reporting incidents of fire or environmental crimes, accessible at any time to the public. Photo: Bracell Collection
Source: © juracy@agenciaat.com
Seja o primeiro a reagir!