Puerto Rico Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Puerto Rico - May 13, 2026

Overview

Puerto Rico is currently experiencing an elevated risk of wildfires, particularly along the southern coastal plains. This heightened risk is driven by a drier-than-normal air mass settling over the region, which is allowing vegetation and fuels to dry out significantly. The National Preparedness Level for the Southern Area is currently at 4, indicating that wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas and national resources are heavily committed.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, fire activity in Puerto Rico has remained manageable. There are currently no uncontained large-scale significant wildfires reported on the island that require national support. Local fire departments (Bomberos) continue to monitor conditions and handle routine incident responses.

Key Fires:
Currently, there are no large-scale significant wildfires threatening communities or values at risk in Puerto Rico. The primary fuels of concern in the southern coastal plains include highly susceptible vegetative fuels such as dry grasses, fine vegetation, and brush. These fuel types continue to dry out under current weather conditions and can become highly receptive to rapid ignition.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The National Weather Service in San Juan continues to provide spot forecasts upon request by local officials. These forecasts support prescribed burns, spray projects, and other land management activities to ensure they are conducted safely within the forecast area and help reduce hazardous fuel loads.

Air Quality: Air quality remains generally good across the island, though localized smoke from any routine controlled burns or small brush fires may briefly impact nearby areas.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The weather across the island is highly varied. While northern areas like San Juan recently experienced rapid rainfall that triggered flash flood warnings over the last 72 hours, a drier-than-normal air mass is present over the southern region.
Forecasted Weather: Breezy conditions are forecast to continue through the next several days, which could cause unsecured objects to blow around. The National Weather Service in San Juan has highlighted an elevated risk of wildfires along the southern coastal plains of Puerto Rico, as fuels will continue to dry out under these conditions. Passing trade wind showers may occur, but significant rainfall is not expected to broadly mitigate the fire risk in the southern plains.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to be mindful of the elevated fire threat in southern coastal areas. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, avoid activities that could spark a wildfire, and clear dead brush from properties to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
National Weather Service - San Juan Fire Weather: www.weather.gov/sju/fire

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.