Controlled burning is suspended The Government of Tocantins establishes zero tolerance for the use of fire throughout the state. Ordinance No. 190/2026, published in Official Gazette No. 7,108 this Friday (24), suspends the issuance and validity of all controlled burning authorizations. The restriction is in force between next Monday (27) and October 31, 2026, a period that marks the height of the drought in the Cerrado. ? Click here to follow the g1 TO channel on WhatsApp Alert scenario Data from the Infoqueima bulletin, from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), reinforce the need for the measure. In June this year alone, satellites detected 1,109 hot spots in Tocantins. Although the number represents a slight drop of 9.9% compared to the previous year, the current meteorological risk oscillates between the "High" and "Critical" categories due to the lack of rain in the Matopiba region (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and Bahia), an important Brazilian agricultural frontier. Municipalities in Jalapão concentrate the greatest concerns. Mateiros occupies second place in the national ranking of fires, with 113 records, followed by Lagoa da Confusao, which accumulates 86 fires. The ban on Naturatins aims to protect precisely these sensitive areas, in addition to Conservation Units and Indigenous Lands. READ MORE Tocantins producers harvest at night to avoid the risk of fires Fishermen record stingrays swimming with peacock bass in crystal clear waters on the Tocantins River; VIDEO Palmas is expected to experience more intense heat in 2026 due to the influence of El Niño, meteorologist warns Fires in the Cerrado destroy vegetation and threaten biodiversity in Tocantins Reproduction/TV Anhanguera Impact and ESG The decision signals progress in the state's Environmental Governance (ESG) strategies. By prohibiting agricultural management with fire, the government seeks to reduce the emission of polluting gases and prevent soil degradation. The measure also protects wildlife, severely affected by large fires typical of this time of year. Naturatins warns that the suspension also applies to previously granted licenses. Rural owners who use fire to clear pastures or prepare soil during the blockade face sanctions that include heavy fines, property embargoes and prosecution for environmental crimes. Forecast for the coming months The Inpe bulletin indicates that the scenario could get worse. The quarterly forecast indicates rainfall below the historical average for the state, which makes the vegetation even more vulnerable. With the new ordinance, the state hopes to contain the spread of the flames and minimize the impacts of the severe drought on Tocantins' biodiversity. See more news from the region on g1 Tocantins.