IBGE pays tribute to officers who died fighting a fire
July 30, 2025 07h07 PM | Last Updated: July 31, 2025 02h42 PM
In order to study and portray Brazil, from north to south, thousands of IBGE officers get into action every day. Each one in their own function, applying their knowledge and skills, takes part in the process of production of statistical and geoscientific information.
In this complex and challenging routine, there are moments of happiness, overcoming, victory, though, unfortunately, of sadness as well.
On July 29, the IBGE lost two permanent officers in the exercise of their functions, fighting against a forest fire in front of the IBGE Ecological Reserve in the Federal District.
Team of firefighters of the IBGE Ecological Reserve distinguished in May this year in the IBGE´s anniversary, during the event Dialogues 3, which gathered 300 officers
Manoel José de Souza Neto and Valmir de Souza e Silva (picture below), both with 65 years of age, were Technicians in Planning, Management and Infrastructure in Geographic and Statistical Information and IBGE officers since the 1980s, working also as firefighters in the IBGE Ecological Reserve.
According to the words of the President of the IBGE, Marcio Pochmann, "The two colleagues, Valmir and Manoel, mark with their brave history in the exercise of their work, the pantheon of IBGE heroes."
The President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commiserated with the families, colleagues and all those daily dedicated to protecting the environment. Lula said: "These workers were fulfilling their mission with bravery and commitment, defending our country, our biodiversity and our people."
The fact was registered by a number of national communication vehicles and Marina Silva, Minister of Environment, asked a minute of silence when she was informed about the death of the officers in a press conference at IBAMA. A number of congressmen and authorities expressed their condolences to the IBGEans and their families.
(With information from Agência Brasil - Andreia Verdélio - Reporter from Agência Brasil)
In May this year, the IBGE celebrated its 89th anniversary at the Ecological Reserve, highlighting the importance of the work of the firefighters
The IBGE decreed a three-day mourning, is supporting the families of the deceased and plans to distinguish the officers with testimonies aiming at building a digital memorial honoring these IBGEans who dedicated their lives to the IBGE and to Brazil.
Fire brigade of the IBGE Ecological Reserve in the Federal District
In respect to the deceased, the workday was suspended on Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1, in the IBGE Ecological Reserve.
