The State Foundation for Environment and Water Resources of Roraima (Femarh) has announced a temporary suspension of the 16th cycle of its burning calendar for a period of 15 days, beginning Wednesday, February 25. This decision was made by the State Committee for Burn Prevention in response to alarming data reflecting a significant rise in heat hotspots throughout the region. The decision will be officially published in the State Official Gazette soon.

Data from the Fire Program at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reveals that Roraima is currently experiencing a surge in heat hotspots, with 422 occurrences reported as of February 24, 2026. This figure represents a staggering 408% increase compared to February 2025, where only 83 hotspots were noted. The situation has raised concerns about potential wildfires, as these hotspots indicate areas of dryness and elevated temperatures that can lead to uncontrolled fires.

In light of this issue, the Roraima government is working to control the burning and deforestation within the state. The decision to halt the burning cycle is a proactive measure aimed at preventing further environmental damage and ensuring the safety of local ecosystems. The community and environmental activists are likely to support this effort to protect the fragile environment in Roraima, especially during the current climatic conditions that enhance the risk of wildfires.