17 APRIL 1998. BRAZIL: FIRES

The Inter Press Service reports the prospect of major forest fires in June in the states of Para, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Rondonia and Acre; fires are traditionally set for land clearing during the dry season could get out of control (see a parallel situation in Indonesia--ed.). The government has set up 100 community fire-fighting brigades and education programs in hopes of avoiding the threat.

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