PAME
Fire Prevention and Control
Since the 2013/2014 harvest, Usina Colorado and CEM have harvested 100% of their sugarcane fields without the use of fire. The sugar-energy sector has adapted its production systems to process raw sugarcane, which means that fires in sugarcane fields cause serious losses to mills and rural producers, endanger human and animal life, and damage crops. In addition, such fires result in major harm to wildlife and vegetation and increase the risk of accidents on roads and at power stations — creating a chain reaction that can even disrupt hospital and airport operations.
Most fires in agricultural areas occur during the driest periods of the year and have various causes. They often start in areas close to highways, rural roads, and railways, or in places with easy public access within green areas and riparian forests, such as parks, holiday homes, and country houses.
In most cases, these fires are caused by human actions — whether through negligence, carelessness, or criminal intent.Common causes include discarded cigarette butts, campfires, land clearing by burning, sky lanterns, rubbish dumped near forest edges, and electrical short circuits in rural power lines, among others.
To protect cropland, ensure the safety of people and property, and prevent and fight fires, Usina Colorado has joined forces with other sugar-energy plants in the Guaíra region (including Usina Alta Mogiana and Usina Guaíra). In partnership with the Military Police, Environmental Police, Fire Department, associations, and civil society organisations, they established the Mutual Aid Plan for Emergencies (PAME) — a coordinated initiative for preventing and controlling both accidental and deliberate fires.
The PAME maintains trained firefighting teams and water trucks, and also carries out firebreak clearing to prevent outbreaks from spreading into native vegetation areas.
Monitoring
Usina Colorado has installed high-definition cameras on towers positioned at strategic points throughout its sugarcane fields to ensure broader and more effective visibility coverage across all areas. The company also maintains fixed parking locations for fire trucks, allowing strategic deployment by region whenever needed.
All properties are monitored 24 hours a day through a long-range digital camera system, capable of capturing real-time images from distances of up to 50 kilometres.
The system automatically detects and tracks changes in the landscape, allowing cameras to zoom in on specific areas whenever an alteration is detected. This technology helps to identify the causes of potential fires and detect criminal activities in real time.
Engagement with Rural Producers
Through its PAME teams, Usina Colorado has conducted surveys and registered over 3,400 rural households located within or adjacent to sugarcane fields. This enables the company to issue alert signals to residents in the region regarding fire risks and spread, establishing a wide network for awareness and prevention.
The PAME programme also raises awareness through environmental education initiatives, emphasising the importance of community involvement in fire prevention and control efforts.
(17) 3331-9193
(17) 3330-3444
(16) 3810-1345
Administração
149 Rua Dois, P.O. Box 52
ZIP Code: 14620-000 – Orlândia/SP
Phone: +55 (16)3820.3099 | (16)3820.3000
grupocolorado@colorado.com.br
Whistleblowing and Ombudsman Channel
www.contatoseguro.com.br/grupocolorado
0800 810 8409
App: Google Play e App Store (Contato Seguro)