Devastating forest fires have consumed more than 28 thousand hectares in Guatemala

More than 28 thousand hectares of forests have been affected to date by forest fires recorded in different parts of the country During the current season, which covers from December 2024 to June 2025.

According to information provided by Juan Laureano, spokesman for the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred), until Wednesday, May 28, a total of 1,549 fires that have affected about 28,300 hectares of land in different regions of the country have been liquidated.

Laureano said that the protocol for the mitigation of fires nationwide remains active, because risk conditions, such as winds and warm climate throughout the territory.

Forests and ecosystems at risk

Data from the National Forest Institute (INAB) indicate that, until May 26, more than 22 thousand hectares of forests had been lost, mainly in localities such as Melchor de Mencos, Petén; Hondo River, Zacapa; San Juan La Laguna, Sololá and forested areas of the capital. The hot weather conditions have intensified damage in recent months.

The National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) warns that the damages caused by fires are irreversible and seriously affect the flora and fauna of the most impacted localitiesdeteriorating the ecosystems and habitat of numerous species. This situation also puts human life at risk, by missing forested areas and vital sources of water for subsistence, according to experts.

CONAP points out that the main causes of ecosystems loss are illegal logging, agricultural expansion and the usurpation of protected areas.

Risk factors

There are both human and environmental factors that constitute the main causes of forest fires in Guatemala.

Human factors

• Agricultural burnings: These are practices carried out by farmers in different regions, with the aim of cleaning land before new plantings. However, these burns can get out of control and spread rapidly, causing considerable damage around the crops.
• Garbage burning and waste: This activity also represents an important cause of fires in forest areas, since, often, people use gasoline or other flammable or fast combustion materials, which increases the risk of claims.
• Carelessness and negligence: The lack of caution in the handling of fires in wooded areas is another recurring cause. The mismanagement of cigarette butts, which does not turn off properly, can also cause fires.

Environmental factors

• Climatic conditions: The high temperatures recorded in recent months, added to the shortage of rainfall and the decrease in humidity levels, propitiate the combustion of dry vegetation such as leaves, branches and grass, which increases the possibility of forest fires.
• Strong winds: This phenomenon can accelerate the spread of fires, making it difficult to control due to the rapid expansion of fire.

Most affected departments

Conred indicates that, until May 28, 1,549 have been liquidated fires throughout the country during the 2025 season. The three most affected departments are Petén (253 fires), Guatemala (233) and Quiché (232).

It also confirms that three fires are currently active in Petén, two in Guatemala, one in Baja Verapaz and another in Zacapa, for a total of seven active fires.

Current figures minors than the previous season

During the 2023-2024 season, more than 2,600 fires were recorded, which affected more than 46,500 hectares, mainly in Petén and the northeastern country.

Throughout the 2024 season, 2,635 fires were recorded, which mostly affected the departments of Petén, Quiché, Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango.

During the previous season the Conred also reports a total of 178 thousand 339 hectares of affected land.

The National Protocol for the forest and non -forestry fire season, prepared by the Conred Executive Secretariat by 2025, points out that the effects of climate change, as well as the El Niño phenomenon, have increased both the frequency of fires in dry seasons and the affected surface.

In addition to Ecological and economic damages, an increase in the negative effects on health is also reportedaggravated by adverse weather conditions that increase the affectation to flora and fauna.

The protocol emphasizes that between 2001 and 2024 an average of 813 fires per year was attended, affecting a total of 36,641 hectares, so he considers urgent to adopt actions to reduce the incidence and impact of these events.

Recommendations

INAB calls on citizens to become aware of the damage caused by forest fires. It recommends avoiding fires in forests and protected areas, since many conflagrations originate from this cause. It also urges to stop immoderate felling and agricultural expansion, since they contribute to the loss of fertile soil and water sources.

Likewise, the Conred indicates that the necessary precautions must be taken during agricultural burning or fires, and attend to the instructions of the local authorities, in order to avoid greater losses or incidents.

Given any emergency or disaster situation, the institution recommends citizens to activate the Conred system, communicating with municipal authorities, relief bodies or calling number 119.