Sierra Gorda Forest Firefighters Need Your Help

In the Sierra Gorda, forests are threatened especially in the dry months by uncontrolled burns that lead to forest fires and though this is a crime, the perpetrator goes unpunished because there is an absence of authorities able to take action. Environmental education in communities is one way we help prevent such practices but once a fire is reported, who is fighting the forest fires? Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda I.A.P. and local residents in the remote corners of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve coordinate with 3 official brigades in the region who are spread too thin.

Basic equipment required for 30 firefighters: $12,000

• Backpack 20 liter water tank
• Forestry boots
• Two pairs of pants (flame retardant)
• Two pairs of yellow flame retardant shirts
• Leather gloves
• Helmet
• Neck protection
• Fire safety goggles