A total of 120 active forest fires have been recorded in Mexico, preliminarily affecting 7,137 hectares in 19 states, the Mexican government said on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
According to a report by the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), there are 120 forest fires in 19 states, with the central state of Hidalgo worst hit, having so far burnt 1,874 hectares.
Conafor’s preliminary report said there were active fires where an estimate of the affected open field was still not available.
In recent days, 42 fires have been extinguished, preliminarily affecting 2,608 hectares.
Mexican President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said at his daily news conference that a total of 6,000 Mexican soldiers, marines, Civil Protection and Conafor personnel were working to control the fires.
He assured that there was no risk to the population caused by the blazes.
The president also lamented the death of four people in fire-fighting efforts, namely two community members, a police officer and a fire-fighter.
