Mexico's drought-hit states overwhelmed by intense forest fires
A soldier works to contain wildfires in Nogales, in Veracruz state, Mexico, March 25, 2024. (AP Photo)


Forest fires were burning in nearly half of Mexico’s drought-stricken states Monday, fueled by strong winds.

The National Forestry Commission reported 58 active fires in 15 states, including in protected nature reserves in the states of Morelos, Veracruz and Mexico.

A preliminary estimate of the affected area reached more than 3,500 acres (1,421 hectares), the commission wrote on the social platform X.

Authorities reported no injuries, but at least some homes were burned in a wildfire in Nogales, Veracruz on Monday. A fire burned across mountain farms, killing livestock and charring homes. At least five families were moved to a shelter.

Firefighters battled with a water tanker while residents slapped at flames in their fields with branches.

Alondra Chávez, a Nogales resident, was among those fighting the flames.

"The wind is beating us and we do what we can," Chávez said.

Catalina Villafuerte, a resident of Aserradero Maltrata, a nearby community battling another fire, said: "Everything is destroyed. The machines to work, beds, mattresses, everything."