### Devastating Fire in Tecate: Ranch Homes Destroyed and Numerous Animals Lost
A raging wildfire that began Thursday morning in Tecate’s Cerro Azul delegation, near Los Pistones Park, has resulted in the total loss of several ranch homes and caused severe injury to and death of numerous animals. As of Friday afternoon, the fire continued to burn, having already consumed 1,600 hectares. It was brought under control by Saturday, according to Enrique García Sánchez, the municipal coordinator for Civil Protection and Firefighters in Tecate.
Preliminary data indicate that the fire completely destroyed four ranch homes and killed or injured dozens of animals. In a social media broadcast, García Sánchez urged residents to stay alert, describing the fire as extremely aggressive and fast-moving.
The poor air quality in Tijuana this weekend can be attributed to the ongoing wildfires, influencing local health and visibility.
On Sunday, the Animal Rights Lawyers Association of Mexico in Tijuana organized an animal rescue brigade at Rancho Margarita. Carmen Villarreal Alberich, a member of the civil association, reported that the team attended to a group of sheep burned by the fire, two of which did not survive. The surviving sheep are receiving continuous care.
“We are deeply concerned about all species suffering in the region and are doing everything in our power to help,” Villarreal stated, highlighting the efforts of volunteers equipped with trailers to transport injured animals for medical attention.
There have also been reports of a horse dying due to smoke inhalation at a nearby ranch. As the situation evolves, authorities are gathering information to report on the extent of the damage, particularly in ranch areas, come Tuesday.
Additionally, firefighters have been working tirelessly to prevent the flames from reaching urban-forest interface areas, though changing wind directions present an ongoing challenge.
### Secondary Article: Wildfires Significantly Impact Air Quality and Resources in Tijuana
The recent wildfires have significantly affected air quality in Tijuana over the past few days. Hot, dry conditions have exacerbated the situation, causing multiple consequences for residents and the environment.
Air quality indices have deteriorated substantially due to the sustained presence of smoke and particulate matter from the fires. Local health authorities advise individuals, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to minimize outdoor activities and use masks to reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
Reports from local utilities indicate that the high temperatures, coupled with ongoing firefighting efforts, have led to increased water consumption. The State Public Services Commission of Tijuana (Cespt) reported a 10% rise in water use, affecting tank levels in several neighborhoods, including Natura, La Obrera, Cerro Colorado, and Panamericano.
Furthermore, extreme temperatures have caused power outages across multiple Tijuana neighborhoods. Miguel Ceballos, a local spokesperson, noted that the frequency of power cuts surged over the weekend due to the heightened demand for electricity.
Concerns about persistent high temperatures have also prompted discussions about transitioning to distance learning if conditions don’t improve. Education authorities emphasize that the coastal region currently lacks the infrastructure to support widespread online classes under extended heat waves.
The fire season has seen a 42% increase in wildfire incidents this summer, necessitating reinforced coordination among local firefighting teams to handle the uptick effectively.
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