VEGETATION FIRES IN PALOTINA, PARANÁ: CHARACTERISTICS, SEASONALITY, AND RELATIONSHIP WITH METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES

Abstract

This study analyzes the profile of vegetation fires in the municipality of Palotina, in the western region of Paraná, Brazil, from 2015 to 2020, evaluating the correlation of these events with climatic factors and human activity. The methodology is based on the hypothetical-deductive method with a quali-quantitative approach, using operational data from the Paraná Military Fire Brigade (SYSBM system) and meteorological data from the Rural Development Institute of Paraná (IDR). The results show a total of 346 recorded incidents, revealing a predominance of fires in urban areas (68.20%), characterized mainly as surface fires (reaching up to 1.80 meters in height) and Class I events (affecting areas smaller than 1 hectare). A strong incidence resulting from human activity was identified, linked to land clearing, waste disposal, and vandalism. Regarding climatology, rainfall proved to be the only factor with an isolated influence on fire dynamics, reducing occurrences during rainy periods, whereas variables such as wind speed and relative humidity act interactively, concentrating peak fire outbreaks during winter months due to vegetation dryness. It is concluded that the resulting spatial and temporal mapping supports the development of preventive public policies, awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships to optimize Fire Brigade response strategies.