### Ongoing Wildfire Continues to Burn in Cerro Azul, Tecate
The wildfire in the Los Pistones and Rancho Las Creaturas areas of Cerro Azul, located in the Tecate municipality, remains active. Enrique García, the director of the Tecate Fire Department, provided an update on the situation.
“We continue to monitor the fire. Although the blaze is no longer close to homes, cabins, and other constructions, it remains an active wildfire entirely within a forested area,” García stated.
Residents are advised to stay alert due to the possibility of wind changes that could threaten nearby areas again. Currently, the fire has affected 605 hectares, involving the efforts of 68 firefighters. Additional support has been provided by 30 firefighters and four water trucks from Tijuana, as well as resources from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) and the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader).
While 99% of wildfires are caused by human activity, García emphasized that there’s no indication this particular fire was intentional. He pointed out that conditions for the fire were ideal, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, winds over 30 kilometers per hour, and relative humidity below 30%. Up to this point in 2024, there have been a total of 678 forest fires attended.
“A temporary collection center has been established at the central fire station on Paseo Morelos Boulevard to ensure the availability of hydration fluids for the firefighters,” García explained. He encouraged the public to support the effort by donating water or electrolyte solutions. He also advised against the use of fire and emphasized that burning activities are strictly prohibited: “Our main recommendation is to avoid exposure and stay away from the fires.”
#### Additional News: Wildfires in Baja California Continue to Pose Challenges
While the situation in Cerro Azul remains critical, other parts of Baja California have experienced significant wildfire events. On August 31, 2024, a wildfire in Rosarito consumed over 25 hectares, causing major environmental and property damage. Another tragic incident occurred on August 16, 2024, in Tijuana, where a mother and her children lost their lives in a house fire. Furthermore, a fire in a drug den spread to four nearby houses in Tijuana on August 9, 2024, exacerbating the concerns of local residents about fire safety and prevention measures.
The ongoing fires highlight the need for continued vigilance and support for firefighting efforts across the region, as well as stronger preventive measures to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. Residents are urged to comply with fire bans and contribute to community safety by donating necessary supplies and staying informed about fire safety protocols.