The control of forest fires by the fire department of Santa Catarina State: diagnosis and suggestions for its improvement

Abstract

The State of Santa Catarina constitutionally established that the Military Fire Department is the responsible agency for forest fire control actions in its territory. This research presents an analysis of the agency current situation in order to evaluate its operational conditions to face forest fire suppression activities. To reach this objective, preventive action, staff formation programs, equipment acquisition regulations, and available materials were analyzed. It was also carried out an analysis of the pertinent legislation on forest fires in the State. These issues were compared to similar situations found in the literature. This research also presents forest fires occurrences statistics registered in the State in the period 2000 to 2004. These data were obtained through questionnaires filled out by the regional Fire Departments in activity within the State. Finally, it develops a technical proposal whose objective is to serve as a basis for the forest fire prevention and suppression sector organization in the State of Santa Catarina, mainly for the Military Fire Department, focusing on aspects of equipment needed, staff formation, and technical norms adequacy.