Nuevo León on fire: Recurrent fires in Pesquería and Apodaca trigger alarm

In recent days, Nuevo León has faced a series of fires that have mobilized authorities and caused concern among the population.

The most recent occurred on February 3, 2025 at a cardboard recycling plant located in the Zacatecas neighborhood, in the municipality of Pesquería. The incident required the intervention of multiple aid corporations to control the flames and prevent their spread.

Recent fires in the region

Besides the incident in Pesquería, in December 2024 a fire was reported at the AYBI company, located on the Northeast Bypass in the Ex Hacienda Santa Rosa neighborhood, in Apodaca.

This event forced the evacuation of at least 200 people and left two individuals with mild intoxication symptoms.

Previously, in August 2023, a large-scale fire consumed a pallet warehouse and at least seven additional warehouses in Apodaca.

The incident began during the early morning, and firefighting teams worked intensely until dawn to extinguish the flames.

Contributing factors

The persistent drought in Nuevo León is a factor that increases the risk of fires. According to the CONAGUA Drought Monitor, 65.63% of the municipalities in the north of the country face some degree of drought.

The lack of rain, combined with the La Niña phenomenon, threatens key sectors like agriculture and increases vulnerability to forest and urban fires.

Causes of the fires

Although investigations are ongoing, it is suspected that most of the fires were caused by human activities, such as poorly extinguished campfires, burning of garbage, and irresponsible agricultural practices.

Authorities' reply

The Civil Protection authorities and the Nuevo León fire departments have replied promptly to these incidents, carrying out preventive evacuations and working hard to control the incidents.

However, the recurrence of these events underscores the need to strengthen preventive measures and raise awareness among the population about practices that can reduce the risk of fires.

Alfonso Martínez Muñoz, Secretary of the Environment, mentioned:

"The precipitation expected in these first months is 5 to 10 percent lower than average. From 2021 to 2024, the number of hectares affected by fires decreased thanks to this decree."

Affected areas

The most affected municipalities include Santiago, Allende, Montemorelos, and Galeana, where fires have ravaged vast areas of vegetation.

The Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, one of the most important green lungs of the region, has suffered significant damage, which has caused concern among environmentalists and authorities.