Arsons Arrested Amid Devastating Sugarcane Fires in Sao Paulo

Three individuals have been detained on charges of arson that ravaged thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in northern Sao Paulo state. The rapidly spreading fires, fueled by extreme weather conditions, caused significant damage and affected local cities and infrastructure. The economic toll exceeds 1 billion reais.

Three men have been detained on suspicion of deliberately setting fires that have devastated thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations in northern Sao Paulo state, Governor Tarcisio de Freitas announced on Monday.

The fires, which thrived on parched fields during Brazil's dry season, rapidly consumed large areas over the weekend, blanketing nearby cities in smoke and impairing outdoor activities, highways, and airport operations due to reduced visibility.

Freitas cited a trifecta of high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity as catalysts for the fires. The suspects were apprehended with gasoline containers, according to local media reports.

In Ribeirao Preto, one of the worst-hit areas, school classes were canceled on Monday. Although no new fires have been reported, dozens of towns remain on high alert. Freitas estimated the fire damage to crops at over 1 billion reais ($182 million). The fires also disrupted operations at a key sugar mill run by Brazil's largest sugar group Raizen SA, though activities have since resumed.

(With inputs from agencies.)