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New state ordinance establishes fire prevention measures on highways granted and administered by DER-SP, with firebreaks of 3 to 15 meters, continuous monitoring, fire management plans, and joint action among public agencies, concessionaires, and emergency teams.
The Government of São Paulo created the Program for Prevention, Preparation, Monitoring, and Combat of Fires on Highways, called PPMCI, to reinforce fire prevention along the state highway network. The initiative seeks to reduce risks for rural and environmental areas and for agricultural production in granted and publicly managed sections.
The measure was formalized by a joint ordinance from the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics, the Secretariat of Partnerships in Investments, and the State Transport Agency of São Paulo. The program applies to state-granted highways and also to roads administered by the Department of Roads of São Paulo.
Fire prevention will have rules for state highways
The PPMCI establishes guidelines for integrating public agencies and private operators, as well as standardizing technical criteria and inspection actions. Fire prevention is now treated as a transversal policy on highways, with permanent planning, preparation, and response measures.
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In addition to specific fire-fighting actions, new concession contracts structured under this administration have incorporated more robust environmental guidelines. These include biodiversity monitoring, implementation of wildlife crossings, identification of critical areas, and measures for preserving ecosystems around the roads.
Firebreaks will be 3 to 15 meters wide
One of the main measures is the implementation and maintenance of firebreaks, vegetation-free containment strips used to hinder the spread of fire. The width of these strips will be defined according to the type of land use around the highways.
The strips can be 3 meters wide in rural production areas and up to 15 meters in regions with urban or industrial clusters. The ordinance also provides specific parameters for areas with native vegetation, Permanent Preservation Areas, legal reserves, and Conservation Units.
The program also determines vegetation management actions in the right-of-way, including mowing and removal of combustible material. The maintenance of water collection points to support fire-fighting operations is also foreseen.
Continuous monitoring and rapid response
The new rule mandates continuous monitoring of managed areas, with surveillance, communication, and alert systems. The structure can integrate satellite data, heat maps, and operational control centers to identify fire outbreaks more quickly.
The objective is to enable agile activation of teams and reduce response time in the event of occurrences near the tracks. Fire prevention should also be supported by user service bases and teams prepared for emergency situations.
The ordinance requires structured planning through the Integrated Fire Management Plan and the Forest Fire Prevention and Combat Plan. These instruments must guide prevention, preparation, and response actions throughout the year.
Commission will bring together state agencies and concessionaires
To coordinate the measures, the Commission for Prevention, Preparation, and Combat of Fires on Highways was created. The group will bring together Semil, SPI, the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply, the Forest Foundation, DER, Artesp, Civil Defense, the Fire Department, Environmental Military Police, Cetesb, the State Attorney General’s Office, concessionaires, and the Highway Military Police.
The commission will have the function of proposing measures, monitoring occurrences, and organizing integrated action, especially before and during the dry season. The structure also provides for team training, maintenance of equipment in operational conditions, and sharing of resources among operators in the same region.
The Secretary of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics of SP, Natália Resende, stated that the initiative structures an integrated public policy, with clear rules, coordination among agencies, and joint action with concessionaires. She also highlighted that the measure strengthens the protection of rural areas, reduces risks for agricultural production, and expands environmental safety in the state.
In cases of controlled use of fire as a preventive measure, the practice must have prior authorization from the competent environmental agency. Non-compliance with the measures may result in notification by inspection bodies and application of sanctions according to current legislation.
With information from AgenciaSP
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