Residents of Puebla are grappling with the effects of an active forest fire in the municipality of Libres, which has been exacerbated by strong winds and poor air quality. The fire began on the evening of Sunday, April 14, 2025, and has continued to spread, prompting significant firefighting efforts by local authorities and various agencies. As of April 15, 2025, the State Center for Fire Management reported that the fire remains active due to gusty winds.
According to reports from the Ministry of Environment of Puebla, the fire has generated a dense cloud of smoke that is visible from various points in the city. The firefighting response includes personnel from Civil Protection, the Secretary of the Navy (SEMAR), the Secretary of National Defense (SEDENA), Forestry Police, firefighters, and volunteer brigades. These teams are working on the ground and from the air, utilizing a Bell helicopter to drop water on the flames.
Bernabé López Santos, head of the Civil Protection unit, revealed that over 100 personnel are engaged in efforts to control the blaze. He noted that the helicopters are capable of discharging between 300 to 500 liters of water each time. Despite their efforts, the fire has been challenging to manage as strong winds have rekindled flames in areas that were previously under control.
In addition to the fire in Libres, there are currently four active fires in the state, including in the municipalities of Quecholac, Citlaltépetl, and Cerro Gordo in Tlachichuca. So far this year, Puebla has recorded 193 forest fires, affecting over 2,488 hectares of forest and pastureland.
On the same day, the skies over Puebla turned an unusual orange hue, alarming many residents. This phenomenon, reported on April 15, 2025, is attributed to a combination of high ozone levels, moderate presence of PM-2.5 and PM-10 particles, and high relative humidity, which are typical of the warm, dry season. The Secretary of Environment explained that the orange coloration results from atmospheric conditions that alter the way sunlight is perceived, particularly during sunset.
Images shared on social media captured the striking orange sky, which has been linked to the ongoing forest fire in Libres. The smoke from the fire has contributed to the accumulation of particles in the atmosphere, leading to a noticeable decrease in air quality. The air quality in several areas of Puebla has been classified as poor, prompting local authorities to recommend that residents limit outdoor activities and wear face masks if they must go outside.
As a precautionary measure, the municipal government of Libres has temporarily closed the Altzayanca highway to facilitate the work of emergency teams and prevent traffic congestion. Similar firefighting efforts are underway in neighboring Tlaxcala, where at least 49 teams are working to combat fires in municipalities such as Cuahuixmatlac and Altzayanca.
Specialists from the National Meteorological Service noted that the orange sky phenomenon tends to intensify during sunset. This is due to the sunlight having to pass through a larger portion of the atmosphere, which filters out shorter wavelengths of light, allowing warmer tones like red and orange to dominate.
While similar events have occurred in Puebla in the past, notably in April 2020 and May 2024, this latest incident is intensified by the concurrent forest fires and high pollution levels. Authorities have not issued any official restrictions due to poor air quality, but they continue to advise residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit their exposure to outdoor conditions.
In light of these developments, the government of Puebla has urged citizens to take precautions, such as keeping windows and doors closed and avoiding outdoor activities unless necessary. The situation remains fluid as firefighting efforts continue and air quality is monitored closely.
