**CFE Restores Full Power Supply After Santa Ana Winds Damage in Baja California**
The recent strong winds in Baja California, known as the Santa Ana condition, caused significant disruptions across the state, affecting approximately 204,323 users—about 13% of the region’s total electricity consumers. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) swiftly responded by deploying personnel and equipment to areas like Tijuana, Tecate, and Rosarito to address these outages and repair damage to the electrical grid.
Starting at 7:02 am, the powerful winds brought down tarps, tree branches, and various debris onto power lines, leading to widespread power interruptions across different neighborhoods. CFE reported that they managed to restore power to 100% of the affected users effectively by the end of the day. The breakdown of the restoration process is as follows: 65% of users had their electricity back within 3 hours, 89% within 9 hours, and the remaining 100% within 13 hours.
The recovery effort involved 72 electricians, 18 cranes, and 30 light vehicles strategically stationed to tackle these issues. Even after restoring power, CFE crews continue their work in the region to perform permanent repairs, reinforce electrical infrastructure, and respond to any new reports of issues.
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**Santa Ana Winds Impact Beyond Power Outages: Environmental Concerns and Fire Hazards**
The severe Santa Ana winds not only affected power lines but also contributed to a host of other challenges in the Tijuana area, including heightened fire risk and environmental concerns. With low humidity levels, there are currently 10 active fires in Tijuana, with the eastern zone being particularly vulnerable.
The winds are also contributing to a critical period of air pollution in Tijuana, prompting urgent calls to prohibit the sale of fireworks to minimize ecological damage. While the intensity of the winds is expected to decrease by Wednesday, residents are advised to remain cautious due to ongoing environmental hazards.
In other developments, the reemerging tourism sector is seeing a resurgence of Asian visitors to Baja California, following the reopening of commercial flights between Tijuana and China after pandemic-induced disruptions.
Meanwhile, local organizations are rallying support for vulnerable communities, with initiatives like the “Embajadores de Jesús” shelter seeking donations for a festive gathering for migrant children. Additionally, regional governance is undergoing shifts with Governor Marina del Pilar assuming the leadership of a national governors’ association, aiming to reinforce federalism with a renewed strategic approach.