INTEGRATED FIRE MANAGEMENT IN BRAZIL: LAWFUL ACT IN THE PYROCENE

Abstract

The Anthropocene is characterized by human impact on a geological scale, altering natural processes and triggering severe ecological crises. In this context, the Pyrocene highlights the central role of fire in environmental degradation, linking large-scale wildfires to global warming and extreme events. In Brazil, fire has traditionally been part of the cultural and environmental heritage of Indigenous peoples, quilombolas, and traditional communities, but “zero fire” policies in the late 20th century ignored its importance, increasing the risk and intensity of wildfires. A paradigm shift has been taking place in Brazil since the early 21st century with the consolidation of Integrated Fire Management (IFM), which combines traditional and scientific knowledge in the controlled use of fire for environmental conservation purposes. IFM is a set of preventive and firefighting practices that form the basis of the National Policy on Integrated Fire Management, linking it to the principle of sustainability. IFM integrates firefighters, managers, and researchers. Experiences with IFM show benefits such as minimizing wildfires, regenerating vegetation, and preserving biodiversity. With a legal framework and participatory governance, IFM has been consolidated as an innovative socio-environmental strategy to address the challenges of Pyrocene.