Wildfires in Brazil: Dozens of cities on high alert

Sao Paulo: Wildfires in Brazil's southern Sao Paulo state have claimed the lives of at least two people, officials reported on Saturday. As a result, 36 cities in the state are now on high alert.

Authorities, both local and federal, are intensifying efforts to control the fires, according to Sao Paulo state Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.

The fires have been raging in areas outside the city of Sao Paulo, which is one of Latin America's largest cities with over 11 million residents. Governor de Freitas said that around 7,300 government workers and volunteers have been deployed to “contain the advance and put out these fires,” which have been fueled by a heat wave and ongoing drought. Strong winds are also contributing to the spread of the flames.

Although the city itself has largely been unaffected, social media videos show thick smoke and burning trees in rural areas and along highways.

The government reported that two workers at an industrial plant in Urupes died on Friday while trying to combat the fires. Further details about the incident have not been released.

According to local news sources, including Folha de S.Paulo, the region is experiencing the worst wildfires in decades, with nearly 5,000 fires reported this year alone.

Agencies