COORDINATION BY THE MILITARY FIRE DEPARTMENT OF PREVENTION AND FIREFIGHTING MEASURES TAKEN BY FOREST FIREFIGHTERS IN MINAS GERAIS REPLACING PREVINCÊNDIO TASK FORCE

Abstract

The wildfires in Minas Gerais, exacerbated by irreversible climate change, require a significant increase in the number of people involved in prevention and firefighting efforts, especially in the Cerrado biome. The growing frequency and intensity of these fires demand a more robust command structure, with greater involvement of firefighters, brigadiers, and other actors to protect ecosystems and communities. The creation of firebreaks, fuel management, and alert systems are essential measures, but effective coordination depends on the definition of responsibilities. This decision directly impacts political leadership, reflecting on the ability to make short-, medium-, and long-term decisions. The recent transfer of coordination of prevention and firefighting actions to the Minas Gerais Military Fire Department (CBMMG), instead of the Previncêndio Task Force (FTP), has political and operational implications, as it determines who holds the authority to implement strategies in the state. This study aims to analyze these responsibilities through the analysis of the hierarchy of sources in Brazilian Law, highlighting the legal and practical implications of this change in coordination.