Quintana Roo wildfires burn 600+ hectares, 5 still active

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Quintana Roo is facing one of the most critical phases of its wildfire season, with five active fires burning across the state as of yesterday, according to data from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor). The blazes have already devastated 581 hectares of vegetation, with the most severe fire located in the community of Francisco May, in Lázaro Cárdenas, where 370 hectares have been consumed.

The Most Devastating Fires Still Raging

The second-largest fire is in Santo Domingo, also in Lázaro Cárdenas, where flames have scorched over 100 hectares. Another significant blaze has affected the mainland area of Isla Mujeres, destroying 201 hectares.

Additional fires include one in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, within the community of Los Chunes, which has damaged 13 hectares and is 90% contained. A separate fire near Xul-Há, along an electrical line of the Tren Maya project, has not yet been officially measured. Local residents claim the fire is part of an agricultural process involving sugarcane, though authorities have not confirmed whether it is controlled or poses an ongoing threat.

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

A total of 118 personnel—including federal and volunteer firefighters, Civil Protection teams, and municipal brigades—have been deployed to contain the flames. Efforts have been hindered by strong winds, dry vegetation, and rugged terrain that limits access to some areas.

Since January, Conafor has recorded 683 hectares affected by wildfires in Quintana Roo, highlighting a steady increase in fires across vulnerable ecosystems such as medium and low tropical forests.

Authorities Urge Public Caution

Officials have issued urgent appeals to residents, particularly farmers and hunters, to avoid using fire in rural areas. They emphasized the dangers of unsupervised agricultural burns, campfires, and trash burning. Motorists were also warned against discarding cigarette butts along roadsides, a common cause of roadside fires.

The state’s Civil Protection coordination stressed that these fires not only destroy vegetation and wildlife but also endanger nearby communities and firefighters working in extreme conditions.

Related Incidents

• Earlier this year, a fire in Cancún left over 300,000 residents without water.
• In May 2024, a blaze in Leona Vicario’s agricultural zone required extensive firefighting efforts.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the wildfire season persists.