Guadalajara, April 26.- Five forest fires have been engulfing the Guadalajara metropolitan area in a dense cloud of smoke and under environmental emergency since Monday. With 20,387 hectares burned, according to the National Forestry Commission (Conafor) report from January 1 to April 20, Jalisco ranks first in forest area damaged, and doubles the figure reported in Oaxaca, which ranks second.
At 7 p.m. on Monday, the atmospheric alert was activated and remained in effect until yesterday afternoon, primarily in the municipalities of Tala, Zapopan, and Guadalajara. Despite the pollution, Governor Enrique Alfaro ruled out suspending classes at elementary schools.
"This morning, thanks to the wind and humidity that will gradually improve air quality, it has been decided not to suspend classes in our city. However, the weather alert remains in effect, so it is recommended to avoid outdoor physical activity in schools, and students with respiratory illnesses will be excused if they stay home." Enrique Alfaro
Many parents decided not to send their children to school, and social media users expressed their displeasure with this decision. They even shared videos showing how the smoke made it difficult to see clearly in several areas of the municipality of Tala.
