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Suzano strengthens fire prevention in Mato Grosso do Sul with new technology, intelligent monitoring, and protection of 300 thousand hectares of the Cerrado.
On June 6, 2026, Suzano announced on its official website the strengthening of its fire prevention and combat structure in Mato Grosso do Sul with the adoption of new technological tools aimed at the rapid detection of smoke and heat sources. The initiative comes before the dry season, traditionally more critical between August and October.
The new technology combines artificial intelligence, drones equipped with thermal cameras, and an advanced monitoring system capable of covering more than 1 million hectares of forest areas in the state. Of this total, more than 300 thousand hectares of native vegetation and Cerrado preservation areas receive direct protection.
According to information from Suzano on June 6, 2026, the company’s annual investment in this operation reaches R$ 25 million, reinforcing the strategic importance of fire prevention in one of the most environmentally relevant regions of the country.
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How the intelligent forest monitoring system works
The heart of the operation is a network formed by 57 video monitoring towers distributed at strategic points in the company’s forest areas.
These structures operate with 360-degree vision cameras that continuously send images to the centers located in Três Lagoas and Ribas do Rio Pardo, in Mato Grosso do Sul.
With the integration of artificial intelligence, the system automatically identifies smoke signals, speeding up the detection process and allowing teams to be activated in less time.
In practice, this means greater agility to combat fires before they reach large proportions and cause more severe environmental damage.
Mato Grosso do Sul receives reinforcement with drones capable of detecting invisible heat
Another novelty incorporated into the operation is the DJI Mavic 3T drone, equipped with advanced features for the early identification of potential fire outbreaks.
The equipment includes:
- High-resolution thermal camera;
- 48-megapixel wide-angle camera;
- Zoom up to 56 times;
- Real-time image transmission.
Thanks to this technology, it is possible to locate heat sources in vegetation and soil even before visible smoke forms.
During operations, the captured images guide the movement of the brigades and help define the best combat strategies in the field.
Structure mobilizes 241 professionals to fight fires
In addition to technology, Suzano maintains a wide operational structure focused on preventing and fighting fires.
During the driest period of the year, the operation gathers 241 professionals, including 167 permanent brigade members and another 74 forestry area collaborators who act as support.
According to the company, this reinforcement allows reducing the average response time by up to 15 minutes, bringing the interval between detection and the start of actions to close to an hour.
The available structure includes:
- Two support aircraft;
- Water trucks;
- Vehicles with combat kits;
- Satellite tracking systems;
- Integrated monitoring centers.
In 2025, part of the old fleet was also renewed with the acquisition of two new water trucks and five Hilux pickups equipped for operations in forest incidents.
New technology from Suzano strengthens the preservation of the southern Mato Grosso Cerrado
The Cerrado is one of the richest biomes in biodiversity on the planet and also one of the most vulnerable to the impacts caused by fires.
Therefore, the adoption of a new technology aimed at prevention represents an important advancement for environmental conservation in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Suzano currently maintains 1.136 million hectares of eucalyptus planted forests in the state. Within this area, 327 thousand hectares are exclusively dedicated to biodiversity conservation, including legal reserves, permanent preservation areas, and native vegetation.
The company’s Asset Intelligence Manager in Mato Grosso do Sul, Amarildo José Nunes, highlighted that the protection of the Cerrado involves not only productive areas but also neighboring communities and thousands of species of wildlife.
Continuous monitoring by Suzano reduces risks and improves field response
The speed in identifying occurrences is considered one of the most important factors to prevent small outbreaks from turning into large fires.
With continuous monitoring carried out by intelligent towers and thermal drones, teams can act more efficiently and targeted.
Additionally, advanced data analysis allows for the identification of risk patterns and the allocation of resources to more sensitive regions during the dry months.
This model is gaining ground in different sectors related to environmental management by offering greater precision in preventing critical events.
Partnership between companies expands fight against fires in Mato Grosso do Sul
The strategy adopted by Suzano is not limited to individual action. The work also involves integration with other companies associated with Reflore, the Mato Grosso do Sul Association of Forest Producers.
The cooperation allows for the sharing of information, operational resources, and response strategies throughout the entire dry season.
This collaborative model strengthens the regional response capacity and expands the coverage of preventive actions in different areas of the state.
Technology, prevention, and sustainability go hand in hand
The use of artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced monitoring systems shows how innovation is becoming an increasingly important tool for environmental preservation.
By investing R$ 25 million per year in fire prevention and combat, Suzano aims to protect over 300 thousand hectares of native vegetation, reduce impacts on the Cerrado, and increase the safety of communities near forest operations.
The combination of technology, planning, and integrated action demonstrates that prevention remains the most efficient way to face the challenges posed by fires in Mato Grosso do Sul, especially during increasingly intense dry periods.
