Residents in Cancún’s Informal Settlements Turn to Charcoal and Firewood as Cold Snap Hits

Cancún, Mexico — Residents in Cancún’s informal settlements are increasingly turning to charcoal, firewood, and other combustible materials to stay warm during an unusually cold winter that has brought temperatures not seen in recent memory to Quintana Roo.

Neighborhoods like El Milagro, Tres Reyes, and Tarzan, which are surrounded by dense vegetation that intensifies the cold, have seen residents spending between 350 and 600 pesos on regular charcoal and higher-quality varieties made from Zapote and Chechen wood, or even coconut shells, which burn longer.

“We don’t have more resources than using charcoal to make fire,” said Dora, a resident of El Milagro who prefers to buy Zapote charcoal from a vendor who sells it from a tricycle. “We prefer this because it lasts longer, makes cleaner smoke, and is a noble fire… There are people who don’t have money to buy it and use any wood they see and even garbage, but that smoke makes you dizzy and smells bad.”

Some residents even produce their own charcoal. José Ceme explained that they gather logs from Zapote, Chechén, and other robust woods suitable for charcoal production. The process takes up to three days and involves building a pyramid-shaped pile covered with leaves and soil, yielding up to 35 sacks that sell for 250 pesos each, or small bags for 30 pesos.

Many families use these materials not only for warmth but also to cook food, heat water, or warm tortillas on makeshift stoves, open fires, or grills. Gas usage is limited, with families conserving it for essential cooking needs. One family reported that a 30-kilogram gas tank lasts about a month and a half, with the cost shared among household members.

Health concerns have emerged, with children experiencing colds, though parents believe November vaccinations helped prevent more serious illness. In the Tarzan neighborhood, located within the city but lacking basic services for years, residents say they use more gas due to fear of potential fires.

Authorities warn that using these materials carries risks of carbon monoxide poisoning or uncontrolled fires. Civil protection officials urge responsible domestic use of firewood and charcoal, keeping flames away from children and flammable objects, and ensuring proper ventilation.