In Brazil’s Cerrado region, Indigenous fire practices reshape wildfire strategy

TOCANTINIA, Brazil — Fire began crackling like approaching rain on a recent morning in the Xerente Indigenous Territory in Tocantins in northern Brazil. But the Indigenous residents weren't afraid and didn't rush to put it out. The flames were intentional as part of a wildfire prevention effort planned by the Xerente in coordination with environmental officials before the peak dry months of August and September. The Xerente live in the Cerrado, a savanna in central and northernBrazil. Every year