SEMADET Activates Air Quality Emergency in Puerto Vallarta Due to Landfill Fire

The Jalisco State Education Secretariat reports that in-person classes and outdoor activities will be suspended for the afternoon shift at all schools under its jurisdiction

Due to a fire at a landfill containing accumulated tires, the Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development (SEMADET) reports that it activated an Air Quality Emergency in the municipality of Puerto Vallarta at 7:30 a.m. today.

The measure applies primarily to the communities of El Colorado, Los Ángeles, El Zancudo, Verde Valle, Colinas del Valle, Ecoterra Paraíso, La Arboleda, Colonia Las Rosas, Ojo de Agua, and surrounding areas.

In response to this measure, the Jalisco State Education Secretariat (SEJ) has suspended classes and outdoor activities for the afternoon shift at all schools under its jurisdiction located in the designated areas.

This action aims to safeguard the health and well-being of the educational community.

The Atmospheric Emergency will remain active, and the risk will be assessed in the coming hours. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels.

The incident is being addressed by personnel from the Puerto Vallarta Municipal Civil Protection Unit, with additional support from firefighters from the Puerto Vallarta Airport, the Puerto Vallarta Regional Command, and Talpa de Allende.

A total of 26 personnel are involved, along with three fire engines, four water tankers, a backhoe, an ambulance, and three pickup trucks.

The Jalisco Ministry of Health (SSJ) recommends staying home and avoiding the affected area until the emergency measures are lifted. They also advise keeping children and older adults with respiratory illnesses under close observation.

Residents are urged to avoid smoking, wear face masks, refrain from cooking with wood or charcoal, reduce vehicle use, close doors and windows, and if using air conditioning, set it to recirculation mode. They are also advised against using fireworks and self-medicating.

Real-time air quality can be checked through the Jalisco Health Department's account @AireySaludAMG, the website https://aire.jalisco.gob.mx/, and the Jalisco Alerta app, available for Android and iOS devices.

The Jalisco Health Hotline is available to provide guidance and preventive recommendations 24/7 at 33-3823-3220.

aire.jalisco.gob.mx (https://aire.jalisco.gob.mx/)