A 120-day environmental and climate state of emergency has been declared in the Brazilian state of Pará due to large-scale forest fires and severe drought. Since the beginning of November 2026, satellites have recorded more than 5,000 fire hotspots in the region, and over the past 48 hours – as of 13 November – there have been around 700 active fires. The relevant decree was signed on 11 November by the state’s governor, Hana Hassan Tuma. Subsequently, the authorities introduced an additional 180-day state of emergency in the areas most affected by the fires. This was reported by the Pará state government and the AFP news agency, citing Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
Over 5,000 fires in the first two weeks of November
According to the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE), more than 5,000 fires have been recorded in the state of Pará since the beginning of November. This is almost as many as there were in the whole of November 2025.
In the 48 hours leading up to the AFP report of 13 November, around 700 cases remained active in the region fires. The situation is exacerbated by a prolonged drought, which has dried out the vegetation and created conditions conducive to the rapid spread of fire.
The Brazilian authorities attribute the worsening of natural conditions to the El Niño climate phenomenon. This is accompanied by a rise in sea temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and affects rainfall patterns in South America.
According to experts, the current fire season could prove to be particularly challenging, with the highest level of fire activity predicted for December. Whilst drought contributes to the spread of fires, it does not in itself explain the cause of every fire.
The use of fire has been banned in 31 municipalities
Decree No. 5.767, signed by the Governor Hana Hassan Touma On 11 November, he declared a state of environmental emergency across the whole of the state of Pará.
For a period of 120 days, the authorities are suspending the issue of new permits for the use of fire. Additional restrictions are in place in 31 municipalities, including restrictions on the burning of vegetation, the clearing of agricultural land and the renewal of pastures.
The areas affected by the restrictions include Santarém, Altamira, Itaituba, Novo Progresso and São Felis do Xingu.
Exceptions are provided for certain fire prevention measures, scientific research and traditional farming, in accordance with the established rules. Offenders face administrative, civil or criminal liability.
Hundreds of rescue workers have been mobilised to tackle the fires
To strengthen firefighting The authorities have sent a further 35 firefighters to the Santarém district. They have joined the teams working as part of Operation Fênix to prevent and extinguish wildfires.
On 13 November, the Brazilian Government confirmed additional support for the state of Pará. According to official figures, federal agencies have already mobilised:
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more than 600 staff from environmental and emergency services;
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85 specialised vehicles;
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six helicopters to support air operations.
The Ministry of Defence is also preparing additional air support. In addition, the Federal Civil Defence Service has approved 34 humanitarian aid plans with a total value of 24 million Brazilian reais.
The operation brings together firefighters, environmental agencies, local authorities and federal departments. Their task is to contain the spread of the fire and protect settlements and nature reserves.
An additional regime has been introduced in the affected areas for 180 days
On 13 November, the Parra government announced a further decision — the declaration of a Level 2 state of emergency in the areas directly affected by the forest fires.
The new measures will remain in force for 180 days from the date of the decree’s official publication. They supplement, rather than replace, the state-wide 120-day environmental state of emergency.
Additional measures include air quality monitoring, humanitarian aid, medical support for residents and the possible preventive evacuation of people from hazardous areas.
Particular attention is being paid to settlements near woodland areas, as well as to communities affected by smoke.
As of 14 November 2026, two states of emergency are in force simultaneously in the state of Para: an environmental state of emergency lasting 120 days for the whole state, and an additional 180-day state of emergency for the affected areas. Fire services and federal agencies are continuing to tackle the blazes, whilst the full extent of the damage to the forests and the consequences for the population are still being assessed.
