PERFIL DOS INCÊNDIOS FLORESTAIS NO BRASIL EM ÁREAS PROTEGIDAS NO PERÍODO DE 1998 A 2002

The aim of this research was to collect and analyze fire occurrence data in Brazilian protected areas, i.e., in forest companies and conservation units that operate fire control systems, in the period 1998 - 2002. The variables evaluated were the number of fires and the extension of the burned areas in each state, the monthly distribution, the probable causes, the affected vegetation, the fire’s size class and finally, the average burned area per fire. The database for this work was obtained from questionnaires filled out by forest companies and institutions which had properties affected by fires in that period. Between 1998 and 2002, 19377 fires were registered, affecting 85,735.02 hectares. Results showed that 68.87% of the fires and 90.76% of the affected areas occurred from July to October, the main fire season. Arson was the leading cause of fires, statistically superior to all other groups. Miscellaneous and eucalyptus were the most affected indigenous vegetation and forest plantation, respectively. Minas Gerais was the leading state with more than 50% of the occurrences and more than 64% of the affected area. The average burned area per fire in the studied period was 4,42 hectares.