• Brazil says criminals likely set São Paulo fires
• The record fires have led to four people being arrested
• Officials have not disclosed a motive for the arson but believe the coordinated outbreaks suggest deliberate action

Brazil says criminals likely set São Paulo fires

Brazilian government officials suspect that “criminals” are responsible for the record number of fires that have ravaged large areas of São Paulo state. Wolnei Wolff, head of Brazil’s National Office for Protection and Civil Defence, stated that 99.9% of the fires were caused by human actions, with no natural causes like lightning or downed power lines accounting for the blazes. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the fires.

Environment Minister Marina Silva described the situation as “unusual,” noting that it is rare to see so many fires ignite simultaneously in distant locations. Officials have not disclosed a motive for the arson but believe the coordinated outbreaks suggest deliberate action.

São Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas added that high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity have exacerbated the spread of the fires. Over the weekend, several cities, including São Paulo and Brasilia, were blanketed in thick, acrid smoke from the flames.

Tarcisio de Freitas said 48 municipalities would remain on maximum alert to prevent new blazes from breaking out.