Mexico Wildfires Map
Wildfire statistics · Mexico
In 2026, 1,285,315 hectares have burned in Mexico — 70% below the 20-year average. 4 named wildfires are currently active.
Named fires in Mexico
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
See all named fires in Mexico →
About wildfires in Mexico
Mexico faces significant wildfire activity, particularly during the dry season from January to June. The country's diverse landscapes — from pine-oak forests in the Sierra Madre to tropical forests in the south — experience varied fire regimes. States like Jalisco, Durango, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, and Guerrero frequently report the highest fire activity.
Agricultural burning and land clearing are major causes of Mexican wildfires, alongside natural ignitions. The National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) coordinates firefighting efforts across the country. Mexico City and other major urban areas are increasingly affected by smoke from surrounding fires.
Our tracker monitors all fire hotspots across Mexico's territory in real-time using NASA FIRMS satellite data.
Mexico wildfire season
Mexico's wildfire season follows the dry season, roughly January through June, and usually peaks in April and May — the hottest, driest stretch just before the summer rains arrive in June.
The pine-oak forests of the Sierra Madre and the central highlands around Mexico City, Jalisco, and Michoacán see the most activity, and in dry years smoke can push air quality in major cities to unhealthy levels.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2024 Record 2024 Season
A brutal mix of drought, El Niño, and record-breaking heat drove thousands of wildfires across Mexico, blanketing central states in smoke through the spring.
- 2019 Mexico City Smoke Emergency
In May 2019, smoke from fires around the Valley of Mexico pushed air quality to hazardous levels, forcing the capital to declare an environmental emergency and suspend outdoor activities.
- 2012 La Primavera Fire (Jalisco)
A major fire in the La Primavera forest reserve outside Guadalajara burned thousands of hectares and sent thick smoke over Mexico's second-largest city.
- 2011 Record Drought Season
Mexico's worst drought in decades fueled an exceptionally destructive fire season across the north and center of the country.
Main causes & risk factors
- Widespread agricultural burning and land clearing (slash-and-burn)
- A long dry season from winter into spring, worsened by drought and El Niño
- Rising temperatures and heat waves that dry out forests and brush
- Steep, remote forested terrain in the Sierra Madre that is hard to reach
- The vast majority of fires started by human activity
Safety & preparedness
- Check CONAFOR and Protección Civil fire reports and air-quality alerts in the dry season
- Never burn farmland or trash on hot, windy days
- Follow "contingencia ambiental" guidance during heavy smoke, especially in Mexico City
- Keep windows closed and limit outdoor exercise when smoke is thick
- Report a wildfire immediately by calling CONAFOR at 800 INCENDIO or 911
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Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Mexico?
The dry season runs roughly January through June and peaks in April and May, just before the summer rains arrive.
Where are most of the wildfires in Mexico?
Central and southern states — Jalisco, Michoacán, the State of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Guerrero — plus the forests around Mexico City and the Sierra Madre see the most activity.
Are wildfires in Mexico dangerous for travelers?
Most fires burn in rural forest and farmland away from resorts, but smoke can affect air quality in cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara during peak season. This live map shows exactly where fires are burning right now.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires across Mexico several times a day.
Is this Mexico wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Mexico and the world in real time.