Quintana Roo Slashes Forest Fire Damage by 94%

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — The state of Quintana Roo registered a drastic decrease in the number of hectares affected by forest fires, with 94 percent less damage than last year, according to recent data provided by the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) and the state’s Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA).

During the 2025 fire season, which spanned from February to June, only 27 fires were counted, compared to the 64 registered in 2024. According to the Forest Fire statistics, 91,547 hectares were consumed in 2024, while this year recorded 5,247 hectares affected.

The municipalities of Lázaro Cárdenas and Puerto Morelos presented the most damage, with 2,503 and 1,189 hectares of affected surface area, respectively. In contrast, Bacalar and José María Morelos, which were the most severely impacted in the previous season, concluded this year with zero damage.

Causes of Forest Fires in Quintana Roo

The report details that the primary causes of fires were:

• Change of land use, with 5 cases;
• Burning of dump sites, with 4 cases;
• Agricultural activities, hunters, and smokers, with 3 cases; and
• An unknown cause in 8 other cases.

The reduction in the number of fires is attributed to greater prevention efforts, awareness campaigns, and more effective coordination between the three levels of government. Additionally, moderate rains and constant patrols helped to considerably lower the damage.

One final fire occurred outside of the official season and affected the island of Holbox; however, it has now been fully controlled. According to the State Civil Protection Directorate, monitoring will continue in areas with the highest heat points to prevent further damage.