On April 15, 2025, the state of Tlaxcala is grappling with multiple forest fires, primarily affecting the municipalities of Ixtacuixtla, Chiautempan, and Altzayanca. The situation remains critical as firefighting efforts continue amidst challenging conditions.
The State Coordination of Civil Protection of Tlaxcala, led by Juvencio Nieto Galicia, reported that three forest fires are currently active in the region. While the fires in Ixtacuixtla and Chiautempan are under control, the fire in Altzayanca, which originated in Libres, Puebla, remains a significant threat. Nieto Galicia stated, "The fires in Ixtacuixtla and Chiautempan have been controlled, but smoke will persist for some time due to the burning of remaining combustible materials." This lingering smoke has raised concerns among residents, especially as winds have shifted, directing the smoke towards the capital of Tlaxcala.
In response to the health hazards posed by the smoke, the Secretariat of Health has issued recommendations for residents. They advise avoiding outdoor activities, wearing masks, staying hydrated, and taking extra precautions for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. Additionally, residents are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed, cover food and water, and wash their hands and faces after being outside.
The fire in Altzayanca is being combated by various brigades, including those from Lázaro Cárdenas and Emiliano Zapata, as well as brigade 43 and brigade Águila 3. Nieto Galicia emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that "this coordinated work aims to contain the fire as soon as possible, without putting our forest combatants at risk."
Support has also come from the state of Puebla, where the Secretariat of Environment and Territorial Planning has deployed 60 personnel to assist in the firefighting efforts. Helicopters from Puebla are actively involved in water drops to help control the fire's spread into Tlaxcala.
In addition to the fires in Ixtacuixtla and Chiautempan, two other significant fires are affecting the Cerro de San Gabriel in Atltzayanca and the community of San Bartolomé Cuahuixmatlac in Chiautempan. These fires have created large columns of smoke visible from neighboring municipalities. The authorities are working diligently to prevent the flames from crossing firebreaks while conducting ongoing surveillance to ensure total control of the situation.
The Atltzayanca fire reportedly began in Puebla and has rapidly advanced into Tlaxcala, reaching wooded areas near the region known as El Peñón de Las Águilas, close to the municipality of Huamantla. As a precautionary measure, the Atltzayanca-Libres interstate highway has been closed in both directions, and the municipal sports unit in Huamantla is temporarily shut down due to the fire.
Local authorities have issued warnings to the public, emphasizing the need to avoid unnecessary risks. The municipal president of Huamantla, Salvador Santos Cedillo, urged citizens to take precautions against falling ash, advising them to sweep it carefully without wetting it and to protect the environment. He also reiterated the importance of staying informed through official sources and following the guidance of authorities.
As of now, 49 brigades are actively engaged in evaluating and combating the fires. These efforts are supported by various agencies, including the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), the Firefighters of the Secretariat of Citizen Security, and municipal authorities. The coordination of these efforts is crucial as the fires have generated a thick cloud of gray smoke that has spread across much of Tlaxcala, causing air quality concerns.
In a related development, the sky in Puebla and Tlaxcala turned an eerie orange due to the large forest fire in Libres, which has extended to Altzayanca. This phenomenon was noted by residents and widely shared on social media, as particles from the active fires combined with the sunset conditions to create a striking visual effect. The state atmospheric monitoring network indicated that the orange hue was a result of elevated ozone levels, a moderate presence of contaminating particles, high humidity, and intense solar radiation.
Moreover, the fire has consumed over 20 hectares in the upper areas of Tetelictic and Ahuateno, as well as on the Cerro "El Palmar." The government of the state has deployed a helicopter tanker to assist firefighters and volunteers who have been tirelessly working for over 24 hours in the area.
Despite the intensive firefighting efforts, strong winds continue to complicate the situation, making it challenging to control the flames. The collaboration between state and federal authorities, including the Secretariat of the Navy, the Mexican Army, and local firefighters, has been essential in the ongoing battle against the fires.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any new fires immediately. The coordinated response aims to contain the fires quickly while ensuring the safety of all involved in firefighting efforts.
Juvencio Nieto Galicia concluded by stressing the importance of community awareness and participation in fire prevention. "We must all work together to protect our natural resources and ensure the safety of our communities," he said.
