Authorities from the governments of Puebla and Tlaxcala are working in a coordinated manner to contain and extinguish the forest fire affecting San Gabriel Hill, located on the border between the two states.
While significant progress has been made in extinguishing the fire on the Puebla side, the area at greatest risk remains in the municipality of Atltzayanca, in Tlaxcala.
During the efforts, firefighters fighting the fire on the Tlaxcala side were cut off, prompting a rescue operation.
Thanks to the Puebla government’s aerial intervention, water was discharged over the affected area, extinguishing part of the fire and facilitating the safe descent of the forest firefighters, who were rescued without injuries.
Colonel Bernabé López, General Coordinator of Civil Protection and Risk Management in Puebla, reported that four active fires are currently being addressed in different parts of the state.
We are deploying technical and operational personnel from early hours. We ask the public for understanding, as a great effort is being made to protect life, homes, and ecosystems,” he stated.
The firefighting efforts include the joint participation of members of the Defense Ministry, the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the Forestry Police, the State Firefighters, the Municipal Civil Protection, CONAFOR brigades such as the “Rojos” and “Cacomixtles,” as well as the “Coyotes” of the state Ministry of the Environment, volunteers, and two helicopters providing support with aerial firefighting.
The fires that remain active are located in Xalitzintla (San Nicolás de los Ranchos), Cerro Prieto (Tepexco), Cerro Gordo (Tlachichuca), and the Libres–Atltzayanca region.
Finally, Colonel López called on the public to avoid any type of agricultural or grassland burning, as the current drought and wind conditions favor the uncontrolled spread of the fire.
We ask for responsibility and that in case of any emergency, the fire be reported immediately. immediately to 911,” he stressed.
Source: excelsior
