SEMADET has expanded an atmospheric alert to eight Jalisco municipalities, including Puerto Vallarta and Tomatlán, as advancing forest fires send hazardous smoke into communities. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, monitor air quality, and follow official advisories until the blazes are contained.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development (SEMADET) activated an atmospheric alert on the night of Wednesday, May 14, at 10:00 PM, as a series of persistent forest fires along the Jalisco coastline began to degrade air quality across several municipalities. Initially declared for Puerto Vallarta, Tomatlán, Villa Purificación, Casimiro Castillo, Ayotitlán and La Huerta, the warning was expanded on Thursday, May 15, to include Autlán and Cuautitlán, where smoke plumes have elevated pollution levels to unhealthy thresholds.
Visible smoke from blazes burning in remote forest zones has drifted into populated areas, sparking concerns about public health risks. Pollutant dispersion models indicate that prolonged exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) could aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and those with preexisting lung illnesses. “We are closely monitoring concentrations of fine and coarse particulates,” said Víctor Manuel Cornejo López, meteorologist with SEMADET, during Thursday’s climatological briefing. “Sustained levels above the health standard pose a real threat to community well-being.”
The origins of these wildfires trace back several days, when dry brush and high temperatures—soaring into the mid-30 °C range—fueled rapid fire spread. Steep and rugged terrain has complicated containment efforts, forcing crews to rely on aerial water drops and ground-based fire lines. More than 120 firefighters from municipal and state brigades, supported by federal forestry teams, are deployed across multiple fronts. Despite their progress, unpredictable wind shifts have reignited hotspots and driven smoke into new directions.
Favorable meteorological conditions late Wednesday allowed authorities to lift the alert in Cabo Corrientes and Cihuatlán, where pollutant concentrations fell below hazardous levels. A change in wind patterns redirected smoke plumes away from those coastal towns, offering temporary respite to residents. However, the respite remains tenuous: forecasters warn that prevailing winds could swing back, threatening another episode of poor air quality.
In addition to tracking airborne particulates, SEMADET is coordinating with the Jalisco Health Secretariat to relay real-time air quality data. Residents can access up-to-the-minute readings via the government portal (https://aire.jalisco.gob.mx) or follow the @AireySaludAMG account on X, ensuring the public stays informed of evolving conditions. “Knowledge is power,” stressed Dr. Laura Gómez, an environmental health specialist. “By knowing the AQI (Air Quality Index) in your municipality, you can take appropriate precautions.”
Authorities have issued a series of health and safety recommendations: individuals should limit outdoor activities, particularly vigorous exercise; keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration; and wear certified face masks—such as N95 respirators—if venturing outdoors becomes unavoidable. Schools in the most affected areas are evaluating whether to adjust schedules or suspend outdoor recess periods to minimize children’s exposure to pollution.
The ongoing fires also threaten local ecosystems. Forested areas surrounding Tomatlán and Villa Purificación serve as watersheds for tributaries feeding into the Ameca River basin. Prolonged burning risks soil erosion and sediment runoff, which could impact water quality downstream. Environmental NGOs have called for post-fire assessments to evaluate habitat loss and waterway damage once the blazes are fully extinguished.
Economic activities are feeling the strain as well. The tourism industry in Puerto Vallarta, still recovering from pandemic-era setbacks, faces potential cancellations as travelers monitor air quality advisories. “We’ve had to postpone several beach tours and open-air excursions this week,” explained María Fernanda Rivera, operations manager for a local tour operator. “Safety comes first, but the financial impact is significant.”
Local governments have mobilized additional resources. Tomatlán’s municipal president announced the preparation of temporary shelters in case smoke conditions rapidly deteriorate. Thirteen facilities—five in rural hamlets and eight within town limits—stand ready to house residents requiring reprieve from hazardous air or evacuation if fire lines approach residential zones.
The atmospheric alert will remain in effect until the forest fires are conclusively contained. SEMADET emphasizes that only when satellite imagery, ground observations and air monitoring stations confirm sustained pollutant levels below thresholds will the advisory be lifted in remaining municipalities. “Our priority is safeguarding public health and preserving our forests,” stated SEMADET Director Ana María Vargas. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation as our crews work tirelessly under challenging conditions.”
As Jalisco confronts the growing threat of wildfire season—forecast to include up to 20 tropical cyclones this summer—environmental and health authorities are urging ongoing vigilance. Residents are encouraged to stay connected to official communication channels, adhere to safety guidelines and assist in reporting new fire outbreaks by calling the emergency number 911 or notifying local civil protection offices.
The combination of extreme heat, low humidity and abundant dry fuel continues to create a precarious fire environment. While containment efforts advance incrementally, the region remains on high alert. For now, the priority is clear: extinguish the flames, clear the skies and protect the health of all who call the Jalisco coast home.
SEMADET has expanded an atmospheric alert to eight Jalisco municipalities, including Puerto Vallarta and Tomatlán, as advancing forest fires send hazardous . . .
