Vallourec mobilized to prevent and fight forest fires
The combination of factors such as low air humidity and high temperatures is contributing to the significant increase in the number of forest fires. According to data from the National Institute for Space Research, a fire is registered every three minutes in Minas Gerais. Until September, over 9,000 focuses were detected in the state – a number 4.5% higher than the 2020 total. In August alone, there were over 35 cases in the areas belonging to Vallourec – Forestry unit.
According to the unit’s Forestry Science manager, Bernardo Pereira, the outbreaks are often related to the use of burnings to form pastures and to criminal fires. “Besides the economic damage, we also have great harm to the fauna and flora. We always find wild animals dead after fires, for example. Another aspect is the risk to the community, which is exposed to smoke and damage caused by the fire,” points out Bernardo.
Investments
To prevent the fires from advancing, every year Vallourec – Forestry unit invests in actions to prevent and fight forest fires. The investments are used in the construction of firebreaks, in the training of teams, and in the maintenance of water tankers and combat equipment, such as backpack pumps, fire swatters, and blowers.
In addition, in 2020, Vallourec implemented a modern monitoring center where the farms in different regions of the state of Minas Gerais are observed, in real time. “The technology of the video surveillance center equipment allows us to detect fires much faster, since the cameras cover a radius of up to 40 km around the observation towers, and with much more safety for the workers operating it. The center is also equipped with devices to facilitate communication between team members, who are informed more quickly about the outbreaks, reducing the time between detection and starting the fight, and, therefore, reducing the burned area”, explains the unit’s Forestry Science coordinator, Márcio Ferreira.
Multipliers of good
Vallourec also develops awareness actions in the communities around the company’s units. To do so, the company’s Environmental Education Program mobilizes local residents to act as multipliers through. “Support is essential, as many fires could be prevented. Through educational pieces and even installing banners and posters, we make the population aware, and invite them to work in partnership with Vallourec in the prevention of fires,” defends Thaise Souza, Vallourec’s Environmental Analyst.
