Lead institution: Brigada 1

The project aims to strengthen and expand volunteer fire brigades across the Espinhaço Mosaic: Alto Jequitinhonha – Serra do Cabral by establishing a new operational base and delivering targeted training for firefighters and local communities. Its overarching goal is to reduce both the frequency and scale of wildfires in the Upper Jequitinhonha Valley and Middle Espinhaço region in the State of Minas Gerais. Achieving this outcome will depend on coordinated action and strong collaboration with institutional partners operating in the territory.

The project is structured around six specific objectives:

Brigade structuring involves establishing a new operational base in Diamantina and creating a storage facility for the Serro base. The objective is to acquire supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and firefighting equipment to support the safe and effective work of firefighters in their territories.

Wildfire response during the critical period focuses on combating wildfires by providing operational support to firefighters, ensuring greater safety and efficiency in suppression efforts. This includes carrying out equipment maintenance prior to the season; listing and organizing firefighter data; and organizing duty rosters with appropriate logistics, meals, and life insurance coverage.

Training and capacity building include training firefighters in the use of blowers, delivering training for new firefighters, providing instruction on rescue in remote areas, and carrying out final harmonization of wildfire prevention and suppression practices. The objective is for firefighters to be prepared and qualified to act effectively and safely, in accordance with the guidelines of Brigada 1 and partner institutions.

Prescribed burning will be carried out under the leadership of institutional partners. The objective is to successfully implement prescribed burns in 100% of the selected areas, following fire ecology and safety criteria, with close collaboration to ensure proper execution and compliance with fire management objectives.

Awareness-raising on fire use and management aims to sensitize people to appropriate fire use and management practices. The objective is to reach 80% of the traditional peoples and communities benefiting from the project, as well as three interested schools, through targeted awareness activities.

Communication of project actions will be carried out through audiovisual productions developed at the end of the project. The objective is to produce videos that explain the project and offer audiences an understanding of the use of fire as a tool for environmental conservation when properly managed.