Large Fires in Our City – Firefighters Ask For Citizens’ Help
In the last months we have watched the increasing number of forest fires in our city. A considerable number of hectares have been consumed by the fires, creating great ecological damage and affecting both flora and fauna. The fires also create considerable air pollution.
We want recognize the work that the firefighters and rescue divers put in tirelessly to combat them. In addition, the volunteer firefighters who work to put out the fires, regardless of who started the fire or who owns the land on which the fire blazes.
We also thank the local police who have given their help, and who sometimes sustain injuries. They go all around the city, checking the fires and taking preventative measures so similar fires do not occur.
We should mention that some have sustained first degree burns and other injuries from combating the fires. Some of our firetrucks have also sustained damage directly from these emergencies. We estimate that repairs will total 800,000 pesos between the neumátics, pumps, mechanical and hose repairs.
Unfortunately, these fires have incurred a fuel cost of 300,000 pesos. We appreciate the citizens that voluntarily brought us bottles water and energy bars, which were the only things we could offer our volunteers during these times, which on occasion lasted up to 14 hours.
We want to recognize that some institutions and individuals have taken preventative measures to prevent these types of fires, like the one mentioned at El Charco del Ingenio. They invested a considerable amount of money to prevent fires on their properties.
Normally, we do not hold fundraisers, but due to these extraordinary circumstances, we ask for your help in the month of June so that we can continue to serve you here in San Miguel de Allende.
Juan Antonio Pérez Solís
Translated into English by the San Miguel Herald
