Baja California on fire: Forest fires ravage Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito and Ensenada

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A wave of wildfires is sweeping through Baja California, leaving a trail of destruction in Tijuana, Tecate, Rosarito and Ensenada. Strong Santa Ana winds, which have reached gusts of up to 120 km/h, have caused the flames to spread rapidly, putting communities and ecosystems at risk.

Tijuana

Tijuana has been affected by two major fires. One of them originated in the Otay Mountain Wilderness, generating a dense column of smoke that crossed the city.

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Air teams, including Airtankers and “super tanker” planes, fought the fire for more than two hours to stop its spread.

Another fire was recorded in the Leandro Valle neighborhood, where around 30 homes were consumed. Authorities evacuated 250 people from the area.

Ensenada

In Ensenada, a forest fire in the Trinidad Valley has consumed more than 8 thousand hectares and is advancing towards the Ejido Uruapan. More than 60 elements are working to combat it, but wind gusts of up to 120 km/h complicate the situation.

Mayor Claudia Agatón has issued a pre-alert status and Civil Protection is warning nearby residents to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

Tecate

The fire that originated in the Tanamá area, in Tecate, has consumed more than 2,900 hectares. Thanks to the joint efforts of firefighters, Civil Protection, CONAFOR, SEDENA, the National Guard and SADER, 70% of the fire has been controlled and 40% of the fire has been extinguished.

The teams are working in three sectors to protect homes, carry out controlled burns and open firebreaks.

Rosarito

In Rosarito, the fire razed more than 150 hectares of grassland in the Descanso area in Primo Tapia. Firefighters fought the fire for almost 8 hours, preventing it from spreading to inhabited areas.

Another forest fire occurred south of the municipality, putting ranches and towns at risk, but was finally controlled without reporting material or personal damage.

They ask to avoid fires

The Civil Protection authorities of Baja California have issued a call to the population to take precautions in the face of strong winds, avoid lighting bonfires and watch the electrical lines that could cause a short circuit. In the event of any emergency, citizens are urged to contact the 9-1-1 line.

The situation in Baja California is critical due to the magnitude of the fires and the intensity of the Santa Ana winds. The emergency services are working tirelessly to control the flames and protect the population, while the community remains alert and supportive in the face of this emergency.

Source: tribunademexico