CUERNAVACA, Mor., April 14, 2025 - In response to the increasing threat of forest fires, the government of Morelos has announced plans to purchase a helicopter specifically designed to combat these blazes. Governor Margarita González Saravia revealed during her weekly conference that while a new helicopter ordered from the United States could take nearly a year to arrive, they are actively seeking used helicopters within Mexico that are in excellent condition.
The urgency for this aerial support arises from a forest fire that has already devastated 740 hectares of forest in Tepoztlán since the previous Wednesday. Additionally, there are fires affecting 35 hectares at "Kilómetro 63" and 18.5 hectares in "Llano de Morelos," bringing the total damage to 793.5 hectares. The difficulty in controlling these fires has been exacerbated by strong winds that typically pick up in the late afternoon and evening.
Despite these challenges, Ubaldo González Carretes, the state’s Civil Protection coordinator, noted that the wind conditions improved over the weekend, allowing firefighting efforts to make progress. In a stern warning, Governor González Saravia stated that those responsible for starting these fires will face consequences. This was evidenced by the recent arrest of Josué "N," who was detained on April 9 for allegedly attempting to ignite a fire in the Sierra de Montenegro area of Yautepec. The state prosecutor's office has already initiated legal proceedings against him.
Alan Dupré Ramírez, the Secretary of Sustainable Development, announced that they are working on a legislative initiative aimed at increasing penalties for those found guilty of causing forest fires. So far, there have been four reported cases against individuals suspected of starting such fires.
As of now, there are ten active forest fires across several municipalities, including Tepoztlán, Ayala, Huitzilac, Tetela de Volcán, Tlalnepantla, Tlaltizapán, and Yautepec. To bolster firefighting efforts, the government has also acquired new equipment, including drones capable of creating 3D maps to enhance strategy and safety for the firefighters.
In a related development, the Ayuntamiento of Tepoztlán has ordered the closure of the El Tepozteco archaeological zone and five hiking trails due to the ongoing fires. This decision was made to protect the local population and facilitate firefighting operations, which currently involve 491 brigadistas from various organizations.
The fire in the "Las Tirolesas" area has been particularly severe, with estimates indicating that 450 hectares have been affected, making it the most serious fire in the state. The Secretary of Sustainable Development confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine if this fire was intentionally set. According to data from Semarnat, a staggering 99 percent of forest fires in Mexico are attributed to human activity.
Laura Velázquez, head of the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC), reported that there are currently 114 active forest fires across 23 states in Mexico, with ten located in Morelos alone. She urged citizens to avoid approaching the Cerro del Tepozteco due to the active fire in the area. The CNPC has reported that the fire in Amatlán and Las Tirolesas is now 50 percent controlled and 40 percent liquidated.
Despite the challenges, firefighting teams have made significant strides. More than 350 firefighters from Morelos and Mexico City have been deployed to combat the flames, with aerial support provided by a MI-17 helicopter from the National Guard. Over the weekend, the helicopter conducted 17 water drops, each capable of carrying 2,000 liters of water, to assist ground crews.
As of April 14, 2025, the fires in the Tepoztlán area continue to pose a significant threat, with the "Kilómetro 63" fire fully controlled and 95 percent liquidated, affecting 35 hectares. The "Llano de Morelos" fire is also under control, with 60 percent of the fire extinguished, affecting 18.85 hectares.
The situation remains dynamic, with additional support from brigades in Quintana Roo expected to join the efforts. Authorities are working tirelessly to contain the fires, and the public is urged to stay informed and report any emergencies to the appropriate channels.
In conclusion, the government of Morelos is taking decisive steps to address the forest fire crisis, including acquiring new firefighting equipment and enhancing penalties for those who cause these devastating incidents. The community's safety remains a top priority as firefighting efforts continue.
