Puerto Morelos Fights 11 Wildfires Burning 1,000+ Hectares

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo — The municipality of Puerto Morelos has reported 11 wildfires this season, with damages exceeding 1,076 hectares. The most severe blaze, dubbed "La Selva," alone consumed 800 hectares of lowland jungle. Local authorities are intensifying prevention efforts to safeguard biodiversity, ecosystems, and air quality.

Human Activity Identified as Primary Cause

Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz, the municipal president, emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention, citing the devastating ecological and climatic consequences of uncontrolled fires.

“Wildfires have catastrophic effects: they harm wildlife, disrupt natural balance, and accelerate climate change. That’s why prevention is our top priority,” said Tziu Muñoz.

Irma Ávila Méndez, head of the Municipal Civil Protection Coordination, noted that most fires stem from human activities, whether intentional or accidental.

“Uncontrolled agricultural burns and improperly extinguished campfires remain frequent causes. We urge the public to exercise extreme caution and report any fires immediately by calling 911,” Ávila Méndez stated.

Significant Wildfires This Season

• March 21: "Las Torres" – 35 hectares
• March 31: "Santa María" – 20 hectares
• April 10: "La Autopista" – 25 hectares
• April 15: "La Cuchilla" – 30 hectares
• April 17: "San Valentín" (2 hectares) and "Saca Cosechas" (40 hectares)
• April 25–26: "Zona de Pozos 20" (15 hectares) and "Zona de Pozos 36" (17 hectares)
• April 27: "Tren Maya" – 2 hectares
• May 2: "Ixora" – 90 hectares
• May 7: "La Selva" – 800 hectares

Specialized Firefighting Teams Deployed

Puerto Morelos has deployed a 10-member firefighting brigade in the municipal seat and a 3-member unit in Leona Vicario, all trained and equipped as first responders. The Leona Vicario ejido contributes an additional 5-member team. These units are outfitted with machetes, rakes, helmets, goggles, chainsaws, and transport vehicles. For large-scale fires, support is requested from Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (Conafor).

Brush Fires Pose Additional Risks

Jordi Jalil Chalim Vargas, director of Civil Protection, reported that between March 16 and May 7, firefighters responded to 90 brush fires along highways and urban areas in Puerto Morelos and Leona Vicario. Though not classified as wildfires, these incidents still threaten public safety and the environment.

Authorities Urge Public Vigilance

Officials reiterated calls for residents to report fires promptly and avoid unsafe fire use. Community cooperation is critical to minimizing further environmental damage.