Mexico: Emergency crews working to contain dozens of wildfires across central and southern regions as of early March 27 /update 1

Emergency crews are working to contain multiple wildfires burning across parts of central and southern Mexico as of early March 27. The fires have broken out amid hot and dry conditions across the region over recent days. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has forecast further persistent heat and little rainfall across the affected areas through at least March 30; temperatures over 40 C (104 F) in parts of southern and western Mexico and over 30 C (86 F) across much of the rest of the country. Further wildfire growth is likely over the coming days due to the persistent high temperatures.

As of late March 26, the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) has reported at least 116 active fires across 20 out of Mexico's 32 states. The active fires are affecting a combined surface area of more than 6,000 hectares (14,826 acres) and nearly 5,700 personnel are participating in firefighting activities across the country. Severe fires are causing evacuations, road closures, and other disruptions in affected areas.

Three fires in the High Mountains area of west-central Veracruz near Ciudad Mendoza, Maltarta, and Nogales have affected a total area of around 1,700 hectares (4,201 acres). The fires have been active for several days and are threatening homes in the area. Emergency shelters have been established for displaced residents and the 150D Highway between Ciudad de Mendoza and the state border with Puebla has been closed in recent days due to smoke from the fires. Fires have also affected more than 620 hectares (1,532 acres) in the Cofre de Perote area of west-central Veracruz in the municipalities of Xico, Ixhuacan, and Ayahualulco. At least 12 people have been evacuated due to the fires.

Around 16 fires are active in the State of Mexico, one of which in the Santa María Mazatla area near Jilotzingo has grown to around 500 hectares (1,236 acres). An unconfirmed number of residents in communities in the vicinity of the fire have been evacuated. Authorities have also reported four firefighters have died whilst combating a fire in the Donato Guerra Municipality of the State of Mexico.

Fires are affecting more than 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres) across parts of Oaxaca, with 14 active fires across the state as of March 26. The National Guard evacuated at least 12 families due to a fire burning near the municipality of San Bernardo Mixtepec in central Oaxaca.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Power outages are possible if fires damage power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.