Quintana Roo battles 2 active wildfires amid drought

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo is grappling with an intense wildfire season, with a total of eight fires reported so far this year, according to the State Civil Protection Coordination (COEPROC). Of these, two remain active and continue to pose a threat.

Active Fires in Isla Mujeres and Tulum

One of the active fires is located in Isla Mujeres, specifically at kilometer 15.8 of the Cancún-Mérida highway, in an area known as "los pozos." The second and more concerning blaze is advancing in Tulum, where flames have already consumed approximately 500 hectares of low-lying vegetation.

To combat the fires, 115 firefighters and volunteers have been deployed across multiple fronts, supported by personnel from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), and local authorities.

Authorities Assess Damage and Coordinate Response

Guillermo Núñez Leal, head of COEPROC, conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas alongside Darwin Covarrubias, Secretary of Civil Protection for Playa del Carmen. The flyover allowed officials to assess damage in the western region of the state, one of the most vulnerable areas due to prolonged drought and the presence of dry vegetation.

Núñez emphasized that the primary objective is to implement more effective containment measures and safeguard nearby communities at risk.

Fewer Fires Than 2024, but Danger Persists

While the number of fires recorded this year is lower than during the same period in 2024, authorities warn that the threat remains high, particularly due to soaring temperatures and weather conditions conducive to new outbreaks.