**Procuraduría de Protección al Ambiente Considers Sanctions for Municipalities Over Fireworks Use**
The Environmental Protection Agency (PPA) has initiated an investigation into the municipalities of Tijuana, San Felipe, Tecate, and Playas de Rosarito for their use of fireworks during Independence Day celebrations. This was confirmed by Mónica Vega Aguirre, head of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (SMADS).
Currently, the PPA is in the process of gathering information. “The agency will ask me for data, recommendations I’ve made, and the pollutant levels at that time,” Vega Aguirre explained. She emphasized that if necessary, the PPA will determine and impose suitable sanctions.
On September 9th, Vega Aguirre’s office had issued a notice to the municipality of Tijuana recommending against the use of fireworks for the ‘Grito’ celebration due to high pollution levels in the air, which had led to two previously issued air quality alerts.
“One of the guidelines in Baja California’s Environmental Contingency Plan is to avoid the use of fireworks under such conditions,” Vega Aguirre stated. The air quality alerts, activated on September 6th and 8th, were related to PM2.5 pollutants, exacerbated by local fires and adverse weather conditions like low wind and humidity.
These environmental alerts, unprecedented for the region, were critical in prompting the advisory against the use of fireworks. As investigations continue, the PPA will review the extent of violations and decide on any necessary sanctions.
**Secondary Article: Ongoing Air Quality Issues in Tijuana and Environs**
Recent data has shown that Tijuana has been experiencing concerning levels of air pollution primarily from PM2.5 particles. These fine particulate matters pose significant health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Experts attribute these high pollution levels to regional forest fires combined with stagnant weather conditions, which trap pollutants close to the ground. In early September, Tijuana saw two air quality alerts within a span of days, prompted by these environmental factors.
The fires in Tecate have also added to the worsening air quality. These blazes not only resulted in property damage and animal deaths but also contributed to the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The lack of wind and pervading low humidity further aggravated the situation, leading to unprecedented air quality alerts.
Local authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions, such as limiting outdoor activities and using air purifiers indoors. They are also considering long-term measures to better manage and prevent similar environmental issues in the future. Additionally, new initiatives aimed at reforming local environmental policies are being discussed, highlighting a broader commitment to mitigating pollution and enhancing public health safety.