The State Forestry Commission (COESFO) reported that, so far this year, there has been a 35% reduction in forest fire incidents.
37 forest fires have been recorded in Oaxaca, Mexico affecting approximately 919 hectares, which represents a 35% reduction in incidence and a significantly lower impact compared to the same period in 2024, when 57 fires were reported, damaging more than 14,000 hectares.
During Mexican Governor Salomón Jara Cruz‘s morning press conference, COESFO Head Magdalena Coello emphasized that this decrease is the result of preventive measures and coordination with various agencies.
Shee noted that, to date, residents of 204 municipalities have been trained in sustainable land management, promoting the “Rose, Grave and Pick” technique, an alternative to reducing the use of fire in agricultural activities.
Coello shared: “The majority of the fires continue to have unknown causes or are related to agricultural activities, agricultural burning, and bonfires. However, thanks to the training and rapid response of the brigades, we have managed to contain most of them in less than two days.”
She continued, explaining that the organization is currently providing direct assistance in 84 municipalities and 264 agencies, in coordination with the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) and the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA).
Coello highlighted the work carried out in San Felipe del Agua, where a fire in the Picacho area was brought under control with the support of the state air force, which carried out 10 strategic airdrops.
She acknowledged: “In less than an hour and a half, community members and official firefighters were fighting the fire, preventing it from spreading to areas of environmental value.”
In the Chimalapas region, specifically in San Miguel, fire crews achieved 90% control of the fire in areas such as El Mirador, Arroyo Ciruela, El Portillo, and El Paragüito. Additionally, in the community of Merced del Potrero, COESFO reported that the fire was 90% extinguished, thanks to the coordinated efforts of state fire crews.
In its report, COESFO reported that 60% of the recorded fires affected less than five hectares, while 26% covered between 10 and 50 hectares. The majority of the fires (68%) were brought under control in less than 24 hours, reflecting the effectiveness of the operational deployment and preparedness of the forestry brigades.
Coello reiterated the importance of continuing training for rural communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices, as part of the state government’s commitment to preserving Oaxaca’s forests and biodiversity.
37 forest fires have been recorded in Oaxaca, Mexico affecting approximately 919 hectares, which represents a 35% reduction in incidence and a significantly lower impact compared to the same period in 2024.
COESFO Head Magdalena Coello said that thanks to the training and rapid response of brigades, most fires have been able to be contained in less than two days.
