Wildfire Awareness and Prevention in Puerto Morelos

As we move deeper into the dry season here in the Yucatán Peninsula, the risk of wildfires increases drastically. While the jungle may seem lush and green, prolonged dry spells turn large areas into tinderboxes—and it doesn’t take much to spark disaster.

A wildfire burns through tall grasses along a rural path, sending thick smoke into the air under a dusky sky.
Fires move fast and without warning. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prevention starts with you.

Our friend Michael A. Maurus, who lives deep in the jungle near Maya communities, knows this reality all too well. He’s seen firsthand how quickly ignorance can turn into destruction. 

Eyes on the Jungle: A Community Effort

A man and his dog walk through a charred forest landscape, with ash-covered ground and blackened trees under a bright blue sky.
Michael A. Maurus and his dog Bruno inspect the damage after a wildfire swept through their area in the jungle.
A drone flies over dense jungle monitoring a wildfire, with smoke rising from scorched earth and green forest surrounding a dirt path.
Michael A. Maurus uses his drone daily to scout for smoke and early fire activity deep in the jungle.

To help protect the land, Michael now flies his drone daily as a fire lookout, scanning the horizon for smoke and early signs of danger. It’s a precaution born out of necessity—because once a fire starts, the damage is done. At Abbey del Sol, we support Michael’s dedication and want to help raise awareness among our guests and neighbors. His work is a reminder that protecting this paradise takes all of us.

A smiling young girl in a bright orange firefighter uniform and red helmet poses with a fire hose valve, tipping her hat playfully.

What You Can Do to Prevent Wildfires:
This isn’t just a rural problem. Fires can and do threaten communities, tourism areas, and the natural beauty we all value. Whether you’re a local, a recent expat, or a visitor, here are a few simple but critical actions you can take:

  1. Never light campfires in the jungle, mangroves, or open areas during dry season. It might seem romantic, but the risk is real.
  2. Don’t throw cigarette butts on the ground, especially not from your car window.
  3. Avoid using fireworks or sky lanterns in or near forested areas.
  4. Report smoke immediately to the authorities or local fire brigade.
  5. Inform others who may be new to the region. Many expats and tourists simply don’t know the risks.
  6. Respect fire bans and stay updated on local advisories.
  7. Clear dry brush around your home or rental if you’re in a forested or rural area.


Support Our Firefighters: Learn, Prevent, Protect

Firefighters in uniform listen to a man giving a wildfire prevention talk in the jungle, surrounded by tourists and locals.
Puerto Morelos and Leona Vicario firefighters support prevention by leading educational events in the community.


Our firefighters in Puerto Morelos and Leona Vicario do an incredible job with limited resources. Let’s not make their work harder. They also hold regular informational events, which we strongly encourage everyone—locals, expats, and visitors alike—to attend. Prevention starts with knowledge.

Let’s keep Puerto Morelos safe—for the people, the wildlife, and the future.

Mother Nature needs all of us to be vigilant. One careless moment can burn through decades of life.