In Mexico, thousands of firefighters are currently engaged in combating wildfires across Mexico. Authorities report that 120 fires are raging across 19 states, which are consuming vast areas of land, including 24 Natural Protected Areas.
As per the report released by Mexico’s National Forestry Commission on Wednesday, a total of 6,195 firefighters, supported by 7 helicopter teams, are tirelessly battling the blazes, which have already devastated 7,137 hectares of land.
Tragically, government sources have confirmed the loss of at least four lives in the firefighting efforts, including a police officer, a firefighter, and two volunteers.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador addressed reporters on Thursday, expressing sorrow over the deaths of four individuals this week in Mexico state while combating the wildfires. Among the deceased were a police officer, a firefighter, and two volunteers, he stated.
According to Mexico’s National Forestry Commission, since January 1st, a total of 667 forest fires have been recorded across 23 of Mexico’s 32 federal entities, affecting over 22,000 hectares of land.
The relentless onslaught of extended drought conditions, coupled with soaring temperatures and powerful winds, has served as the perfect recipe for these devastating wildfires.
The severity of the wildfire threat is further compounded by Mexico’s recent history of intense and widespread drought, along with extreme temperature fluctuations. Earlier this month, the National Water Commission identified 14 federal entities as being in the grip of an extreme drought.