Factors such as changes in wind direction, topography, and lack of preparation can put volunteers' lives at risk,” pointed out Ubaldo González Carretes, head of the department.
In Tepoztlán, where fires have affected more than 1,250 hectares in recent weeks, community authorities agreed to indefinitely restrict access to the Tepozteco mountain.
Cándido González Martínez, 53 years old and member of the ejido council, lost his life while participating in firefighting efforts in the San Diego Tepantongo hill, located in the municipality of Atlatlahucan.
On Wednesday night, González Martínez joined a community brigade that responded to the fire reported in the Ajusco-Chichinautzin region after municipal authorities withdrew from the scene due to a lack of appropriate equipment to intervene. During the day, he separated from the group and was not found until the next day when ejidatarios returned to the affected area and found his lifeless body, with signs of having been reached by fire.
The fire originated in communal lands of San Diego Tepantongo. According to local residents, in the absence of an effective response from authorities, they decided to organize themselves and face the emergency with locally available resources.
Meanwhile, the State Coordination of Civil Protection reported that the five fires recorded in the northern area of the state are stabilized. However, it warned about the risks of participation by untrained individuals in such tasks.
“The conditions in forested areas are extreme. The measure applies to both tourists and residents, and was communicated through banners placed at the main access points. At the same time, aerial containment efforts continue with the support of a National Guard helicopter, which conducts water drops over various areas, including Santo Domingo Ocotitlán, one of the most affected.
