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Wildfire Near Pátzcuaro Reaches 80% Containment After New Air Drops

Helicopter water drops enabled faster progress despite the 75-degree slope.

Overview

  • Authorities now report the Cerro del Estribo fire is 80% under control with about 45% of the flames extinguished.
  • A state police helicopter carried out 41 water drops to back 90 firefighters from Cofom, Conafor, and state and municipal civil protection.
  • The blaze sits on a slope near 75 degrees, which blocks safe access for crews and makes aircraft the primary tool to slow its spread.
  • Strong winds raised the chance the fire could shift direction, so teams moved to higher ground to attack the head of the blaze.
  • Officials say the popular Mirador viewpoint is not threatened and they urge people to avoid the area and wear masks because of smoke.