Mexico City Launches 2026 Forest Fire Prevention Campaign

Mexico City kicked off the 2026 Forest Fire Prevention Campaign with the deployment of nearly 4,000 personnel to handle emergencies in green areas and conservation land. The goal of Mayor Clara Brugada's administration is to reduce forest fire damage by 10% this year. The head of government announced a new strategy aimed at strengthening prevention through the coordinated participation of government agencies, boroughs, and citizens. Mexico City reinforces its strategy against forest fires. During the campaign launch, Clara Brugada explained that the plan includes the removal of weeds, the main combustible material that triggers fires after the rainy season ends. The strategy will focus on preventive actions to ensure that by the start of the critical season in April, forested areas are clear and pose a lower risk of fire spread. Additionally, various local government areas, including public safety and civic participation, will be mobilized to strengthen prevention and response efforts. How many brigadists and resources does Mexico City have? Currently, the capital has: 2,370 brigadists, 1,600 firefighters, more than 4,000 personnel in total, 13 camp towers, 82 specialized vehicles, and over 100 additional units from the Fire Department. This is complemented by the use of technology such as autonomous drones and communication systems for areas without coverage, which will improve fire detection and combat. Authorities highlighted that the average detection time for fires is approximately 5 minutes, while the average response time is 1 hour and 48 minutes, one of the lowest in the country. Conservation land: the main challenge. 60% of Mexico City's territory is conservation land, equivalent to nearly 88,000 hectares, representing a key challenge for environmental authorities. The boroughs of Tlalpan and Milpa Alta account for 72% of forest fires due to the extent of their natural areas, making them priority zones for prevention efforts. So far in 2026, there have been: 107 forest fires, 25 outbreaks, 25 fires in protected natural areas, and 40 hectares affected. A call to the public to prevent fires. Authorities appealed to citizens to avoid practices that could trigger fires, such as discarding cigarette butts, lighting bonfires in unauthorized areas, or conducting agricultural burns without a permit. They also emphasized that most forest fires are caused by human activities, making social prevention crucial for reducing risks during the hot season.