RIO DE JANEIRO
\nFirefighters on Thursday were battling flames in Brazil\u2019s northeastern Bahia state, fanned by strong winds and abnormally high temperatures for the season, authorities said.
\nWhile it is still technically winter in Brazil, with spring due to start in a couple days, a heat wave prompting record temperatures has swept across much of the country since the beginning of the week.
\nFaced with a growing number of hot spots caused by high temperatures, Bahia\u2019s association of forestry-based companies this week launched a campaign to prevent and combat wildfires.
\nState authorities said they have mobilized over 150 military firefighters to put out fires in different areas across the state, as well as in Chapada Diamantina, a national park known for its panoramic views.
\nThe Instagram account of Bahia\u2019s secretary for public security showed images of firefighters making their way through parched forests, equipped in high-visibility orange gear and helmets, attempting to bring the licking flames under control.
\nThe fires broke out Monday, according to local media reports. There are no details regarding the size of the affected area, but Brazil\u2019s National Institute of Meteorology has categorized the heat wave as a \u201cgreat danger.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RIO DE JANEIRO Firefighters on Thursday were battling flames in Brazil\u2019s northeastern Bahia state, fanned by strong winds and abnormally high temperatures for the season, authorities said. While it is still technically winter in Brazil, with spring due to start in a couple days, a heat wave prompting record temperatures has swept across much of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-357699","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n