### Wildfire in Tecate Destroys Homes and Leaves Animals Dead
A devastating wildfire broke out in the Cerro Azul delegation of Tecate, beginning on Thursday morning near Los Pistones park. The wildfire, which rapidly spread, resulted in a complete loss of several ranch homes and left dozens of animals severely burned, with some perishing in the flames, according to initial reports.
Enrique García Sánchez, the municipal coordinator of Civil Protection and Firefighters of Tecate, stated on Friday afternoon that the fire had already consumed 1,600 hectares and was still actively burning. By that time, the fire had destroyed four ranch homes entirely and left numerous animals either injured or dead. The fire was eventually brought under control on Saturday.
The poor air quality in Tijuana has also been affected due to the forest fires. On Sunday, the Animal Lawyers Association of Mexico in Tijuana organized a rescue brigade at Rancho Margarita to provide veterinary care to animals injured in the fire. Carmen Villarreal Alberich, a member of the civil association, reported that they responded on Saturday morning to assist a group of sheep with burn injuries. Unfortunately, two sheep died, while one survivor is currently receiving medical attention.
Villarreal Alberich emphasized the concern for animals of all species in the affected region and reassured that they are doing everything humanly possible to assist. The association has volunteers with trailers to transport injured animals for medical care. They were also informed of a horse that died due to smoke inhalation from the fires.
Sánchez warned residents through a social media broadcast to remain vigilant as the wildfire was highly aggressive and fast-moving. He also mentioned that local authorities were focusing on preventing the flames from reaching urban forest zones, but the unpredictable wind directions complicated the situation.
A thorough assessment of the damage caused by the wildfire in Cerro Azul is expected to be available by Tuesday as authorities continue to gather information from the affected ranch homes.
### Additional Relevant News
#### Rising Number of Wildfires During Summer Season
Reports indicate a 42% increase in the occurrence of wildfires during the summer season. Firefighting personnel have had to enhance local coordination to handle the increased number of fire-related emergencies over the past two weeks.
#### High Temperatures Lead to Power Outages in Tijuana
Multiple neighborhoods in Tijuana experienced power outages over the weekend due to extreme temperatures. Miguel Ceballos reported a significant rise in the number of outages in the city, attributing it to the heatwave.
#### Surge in Water Consumption Amid Heatwave
The heatwave has led to a 10% increase in water consumption, affecting water levels in tanks across various areas, including Natura, La Obrera, Cerro Colorado, and Panamericano. The rise in consumption has strained the local water supply, according to CESPT.
#### Contingency Plans for Distance Learning Due to Heat
Authorities are considering the possibility of shifting to distance learning if the extreme temperatures persist. Ávila Olmeda mentioned that the coastal zone’s infrastructure is not equipped to support in-person classes under such high temperatures.
By staying informed and prepared, the community can better manage and respond to the challenges posed by wildfires and extreme heat conditions.