PF suspects that fire that devastated 25,000 hectares in the Pantanal was going to transform the preserved area into grassland | South Mato Grosso

On Monday morning (14), the PF began Operation Matáá in search of those responsible for the fires in these 25 thousand hectares, which are in permanent preservation areas (APP) and in the Serra do Amolar.

Chief Alan Givigi, who is coordinating the operation, says satellite images analyzed by the PF indicated where the fire started.

“The investigations indicate that the fire has been placed and later transformed into grass. The native forest is extracted and there is the grass for the cattle,” he said.

The justice issued 10 search and seizure orders. According to the PF, 8 cars went to Corumbá, 2 in the urban area, where a rural producer was taken to testify. Another 6 were carried out in the rural area of ​​the municipality.

The FP did not give details about how it reached those responsible or who they are. No arrest warrants have been issued, however, flagrant arrests may occur in places where searches and seizures are carried out.

To get to the targets’ addresses, the police are even using a boat. Some of those wanted are in hard-to-reach areas.

According to the PF, those suspected of setting fire to the region may be responsible for crimes of damage to the permanent preservation forest, direct and indirect damage to conservation units, fire and pollution (Art. 54 of Law No. 9.605 / 98), whose Together, penalties can exceed 15 years in prison.

During the investigation, expert reports were carried out in the affected areas and eight of those involved. The court orders were issued by the First Federal Court of Corumbá.

The operation was called Matáá, which means fire in the Guató language, it is in reference to the Guatós Indians of the Pantanal who live near the affected areas.