The Belo Monte HPP Complex has an emergency brigade that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, covering an area of approximately 130 km². This area includes the Belo Monte and Pimental plants, dams, dikes, municipal access roads and surrounding areas. Additionally, the team frequently travels beyond this area to support communities in the region that are far from the emergency resources of the cities, often facing fires and other types of emergencies.
In 2023, the Emergency Brigade worked at the Xingu substation, in Anapu/PA, providing support to local companies in controlling a fire that could have had serious consequences for the National Interconnected System (SIN).
With the strong effects of the El Niño phenomenon intensifying the drought in the Northern Region of Brazil in 2023, the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant Emergency Brigade fought 57 forest fires in the region of the project. This was the highest number recorded since Norte Energia began recording data in 2019. To illustrate the severity, in October 2023, 22 incidents were attended to, surpassing the total of 19 fires recorded throughout 2021. Many of these fires directly affect neighboring communities, which have agricultural activities close to the complex.
The brigade’s actions in various situations ensured the continuity of family businesses, reducing the impacts of climate events typical of the region and contributing to the preservation of local livelihoods.
Norte Energia carries out essential work to raise awareness and prevent the dangers of fires during the dry season.
Fires generally occur during the Amazon summer, from June to December. There is higher incidence between August and November, representing 80% of forest fire occurrences during that period.
In addition to fires, the brigade also responds to other emergencies, such as wildlife capture, environmental emergencies, assistance and removals. In 2023, the brigade responded to 335 emergency calls, almost a daily occurrence, with 105 services provided to communities.
Care for riverside communities, located in the Xingu River Reduced Flow Stretch, is provided in partnership with the municipal health system. Norte Energia provides ambulances equipped with Advanced Life Support and first responders for transfers and pre-hospital care, if necessary. The main services and removals include snakebite accidents, traumatic injuries, traffic accidents and medical emergencies of all types.