Fire on the Mountain

Fighting fire in the mountains - one of the last things I expected - has become a common occurence in the Chapada this season. A major drought combined with high winds and a local population with simple knowledge of fire prevention and awareness has created major problems. The most significant problem has been protecting the land that my hosts and I live on and depend for our livelihood. There has been only one instance in which protecting the land by fighting fire has been an absolute necessity, but the smoke and illumination of the night sky are constant reminders of the present danger and sensitivity of the land. It seems the only things that will prevent continued fires are rain and increased awareness of fire prevention within the native population; hopefully both are realized in order to save the Chapada region from further destruction.