100 Emergency Crews to Fight Wildfire Near Puerto Morelos After Smoke Protest

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — About 100 emergency personnel from local, state and federal agencies are being deployed to fight a wildfire burning roughly 22 kilometers from this coastal town, after residents protested over persistent smoke in the area.

The fire covers about 80 hectares and is 65 percent contained and 55 percent extinguished, according to Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (Conafor). It is located south of the Chiapaneca neighborhood in the neighboring municipality of Benito Juárez.

The operation brings together civil protection and firefighter units from Cancún and Puerto Morelos, along with state crews, Conafor personnel and the Mexican Army. Crews will use water tankers, hand tools and a mobile command post, and will carry out ground patrols, helicopter overflights and thermal drone monitoring.

The deployment was agreed during a working meeting between authorities from all three levels of government after residents took to the streets Wednesday afternoon to demand action over smoke that has been noticeable for days in several parts of Puerto Morelos. The protest included tense moments and scuffles between some demonstrators and police. Civil Protection officials later spoke with the demonstrators and agreed to hold the meeting.

Authorities said patrols and overflights so far have not detected active wildfires inside Puerto Morelos municipal limits, where drone and helicopter surveillance will continue. Residents, however, remain unconvinced about the source of the smoke and have asked authorities to inspect points within the municipality where they say they have observed possible burning. Some have also requested satellite checks to determine whether other locations are generating smoke.