Head of Government Clara Bruggida launched the 2026 Forest Fire Fighting Campaign in Mexico City, deploying nearly 4,000 responders to immediately address incidents in green areas and conservation land. During the launch, the capital's chief executive announced a new comprehensive strategy that she will personally coordinate, involving all departments, mayoralties, and governmental forces of the capital.
New Strategy: Prevention Before the Critical Season She explained that the focus will shift towards active prevention, specifically by clearing weeds—the primary fuel for fires—before the dry season. "We will mobilize the entire force of the city to divide the territory and remove the vegetation," stated Clara Bruggida.
The plan involves participation from the end of the year: • Citizen Participation Areas • Mayoralties • Citizen Security Secretariat • Governmental departments of the capital The goal is to reduce the risk of fires by April.
CDMX: 60% of the territory is conservation land The head of government highlighted that 60% of the capital's territory, equivalent to 88,000 hectares, is conservation land, making it essential to strengthen environmental protection.
In 2026, the capital's government aims to: • Reduce fire damage by 10% • Maintain a 5-minute detection time • Achieve fire control in an average of 1 hour and 48 minutes
Over 100 fires attended so far in 2026 So far this year, there have been: • 107 forest fires • 68 outbreaks • 25 fires in protected natural areas • 40 hectares affected The mayoralties with the highest incidence are Tlalpan and Milpa Alta, which account for 72% of the fires and will be prioritized in preventive actions.
Equipment, Technology, and Training The force includes: • 2,370 brigade members • 1,600 firefighters • 13 watchtowers • 82 specialized vehicles • More than 100 additional operational units The director of the Heroic Fire Corps of Mexico City, Juan Manuel Pérez Cova, reported that this year will see the introduction of: • Autonomous drones • An internet-free communication system for remote areas Additionally, 950 people have been trained, and 500 are in the process of certification with the Public Education Secretariat.
Call to the Public: Prevent Fires Authorities reiterated that most fires are caused by human activities and called on citizens to: • Not throw cigarette butts • Avoid bonfires in unauthorized areas • Not perform agricultural burns without permission • Not leave trash in forested areas
Defense of the Water Forest, a Priority for CDMX Bruggida Molina emphasized that fighting fires is key to protecting the Water Forest, one of the main natural lungs of the central region of the country. "We have the best team in the country, but we need the participation of all citizens," she stressed.
