Brazilian sugar mills enhance fire prevention measures ahead of 2025-26 sugarcane harvest
Brazil’s sugar-alcohol sector is ramping up fire prevention efforts ahead of the 2025/26 sugarcane harvest, following the devastation of 414,000 hectares of fields in 2024. Companies are investing in advanced technologies, such as AI-powered 360-degree cameras, and expanding firefighting resources. Mills like Lins and Caeté are enhancing surveillance and response capabilities to reduce fire risks, with increased spending on equipment and personnel training. These efforts aim to mitigate future losses and protect crops.
Following a devastating year in which 414,000 hectares of sugarcane fields were burned in 2024, Brazil’s sugar-alcohol sector in the Center-South region is intensifying efforts to prevent, monitor, and combat fires as the 2025/26 sugarcane harvest approaches. With the new harvest season set to begin in April, companies are adopting advanced technologies and increasing investments in firefighting infrastructure to mitigate future risks, reported Valor International.
Brazilian sugar mills are stepping up their fire prevention efforts by deploying high-tech surveillance systems, including 360-degree cameras with artificial intelligence (AI), to quickly detect and respond to fire outbreaks. These AI-enabled cameras are being integrated with uniformed patrol and crime prevention police systems to help identify potential arson cases. Additionally, mills are increasing investments in firefighting equipment and expanding personnel training programs.
The Lins Plant, which manages 75,000 hectares of sugarcane in the Lins region (SP) and experienced 1,831 hectares affected by fire last year, had installed six AI cameras by the end of 2023. The company plans to expand this to nine cameras for the upcoming harvest. The monitoring system operates 24/7 from the plant’s operations center.
Rodrigo Correa, Agricultural Director at the Lins Plant, stated that the company is investing R$2.8 million this year in fire prevention. The funds will go toward purchasing three water trucks, a rapid-response truck, and two additional monitoring towers. In total, the plant will operate with 10 water trucks and 57 dedicated firefighters.
“While having the right structure and well-trained teams is important, we believe prevention should be the priority,” Correa emphasized.
Similarly, the Caeté Plant (Paulicéia, SP), part of the Carlos Lyra Group, has invested R$200,000 this year in long-range surveillance cameras. These cameras, which are controlled by a central unit that also manages truck and machinery logistics, are integrated with police crime prevention systems.
Glênio Fireman Tenório Filho, Superintendent of Caeté’s Industrial Area, stated that the company plans to expand its camera network to detect arsonists and prevent small fires from turning into major disasters.
“Last year, we faced issues with arson (…). We did manage to catch a few culprits, but with the new cameras, we will enhance our surveillance and prevention efforts,” said a company representative.
Fires in sugarcane fields are common, but industry experts report that 2024 has seen an alarming increase in both the number and severity of incidents.
José Guilherme Nogueira, CEO of ORPLANA (Organization of Brazilian Sugarcane Producers’ Associations), estimates that 80% of fires originate from areas along public roads, such as bushes near highways and railroads.
Even companies with extensive fire monitoring systems have struggled with intensified blazes. French multinational Tereos, for example, lost 30,000 hectares of sugarcane fields this year, incurring an estimated R$100 million in damages.
Tereos operates a high-tech fire detection system that includes 13 satellites covering 100% of its sugarcane fields and those of its partners. The system automatically sends alerts and provides real-time visual and audio warnings to guide firefighting teams.
Felipe Mendes, Director of Sustainability, New Business, and Institutional Affairs at Tereos, explained that their system also tracks weather conditions, such as wind speed, humidity, and drought forecasts, helping to predict and prevent fire outbreaks.
“Our system uses Triple 30 technology, which focuses firefighting efforts on critical areas where wind speeds exceed 30 km/h, temperatures rise above 30ºC, and humidity levels drop below 30%,” Mendes noted.
As fire risks continue to escalate, Brazilian sugar mills are investing heavily in cutting-edge monitoring, AI surveillance, and rapid-response firefighting measures to protect crops and prevent financial losses.
To read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : ChiniMandi
