After 15 days of continuous firefighting efforts, the massive wildfire that has ravaged the border municipality of Tecate in Baja California is now 75% contained and 50% extinguished, according to the National Forestry Commission (Conafor).
The blaze, which ignited on June 16 in the Guadalajara 2 community, has consumed more than 16,000 hectares of land, destroying thousands of native trees and plants while claiming the lives of numerous wildlife unable to escape the rapidly advancing flames.
Impact on La Rumorosa
La Rumorosa, a town of approximately 2,000 residents, has been the epicenter of the disaster, with dozens of houses reported damaged or destroyed. Local authorities have issued pre-evacuation warnings for La Rumorosa and several surrounding communities including Rancho Ramírez, Bosques del Cóndor, and Ejido Cuarzo Rosa.
Firefighting Efforts
More than 250 firefighters from across Baja California and other parts of Mexico have been deployed to tackle the blaze, supported by two helicopters. The firefighting effort faces additional challenges as temperatures in the neighboring Mexicali area are expected to reach between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius this week.
Support for Residents
Temporary shelters have been established at the La Rumorosa Funeral Home and the DIF Community Center in El Hongo to accommodate displaced residents. Officials are advising residents to:
- Prepare emergency supplies
- Include pets and farm animals in evacuation plans
Health and Safety Concerns
Air quality in the region has deteriorated significantly due to the fires, with health officials warning that children and the elderly are particularly at risk from the smoke and particulate matter.
Weather conditions in the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the containment efforts continue to progress or face setbacks.
For more detailed information, please refer to the original article on Mexico News Daily.
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