Puerto Rico Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Puerto Rico - May 19, 2026

Overview

Puerto Rico is currently navigating the tail end of its peak fire season, which typically runs from mid-January through May. While recent weather patterns have brought scattered showers and thunderstorms to parts of the island, elevated fire weather conditions persist in localized areas due to breezy winds and dry fuels. The current National Preparedness Level for the United States is 2, indicating that national wildland fire resources are adequately managing current incidents without severe strain.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, general surface wildland fire activity has been minimal across the island due to periodic rainfall. However, localized fire risks remain, and emergency crews are actively managing a complex, deep-seated fire incident. Firefighters and multi-agency teams are working to contain this ongoing threat while also responding to all-hazard weather events.

Key Fires:
Cayey Underground Debris Fire: Located in Cayey, this unique fire has been smoldering underground in dense organic vegetation and debris. While not a fast-moving surface wildfire, it requires a massive, ongoing multi-agency suppression effort led by the Puerto Rico Fire Department and supported by the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. Crews are extracting approximately 25,000 gallons of water daily from the nearby Rio de Plata to suppress the underground fuels. The Air National Guard's 156th Communications Flight has established a Joint Incident Site Communications Capability to coordinate the response, while medical teams actively monitor the health and safety of all responders working in the difficult terrain.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Puerto Rico Fire Department continues to focus on year-round wildfire management, including fuel mitigation through controlled burns and firebreak construction as weather permits. The island has recently modernized its response capabilities, integrating satellite-based fire detection and unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to monitor fire perimeters and assess conditions during prescribed burns, improving both safety and efficiency for ground crews.

Air Quality: Air quality remains generally good across the island due to recent scattered showers and the lack of large-scale surface wildfires. No significant smoke impacts are currently anticipated for residents, though localized smoke may be visible near the Cayey incident.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The island is experiencing breezy to locally windy conditions, with east to east-southeast winds steering periods of fast-moving showers. Afternoon diurnal heating and sea breeze convergence are triggering scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly across western Puerto Rico, bringing a limited to elevated flooding risk.
Forecasted Weather: While no Red Flag Warnings are currently in effect, the National Weather Service in San Juan has highlighted elevated fire weather concerns for the southern and southeastern coastal plains. Sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph with higher gusts, combined with elevated drought indices and low 7-day rainfall totals in these specific areas, could favor the rapid spread of wildfires if ignition occurs. A limited heat risk also persists, with heat indices ranging from the mid-90s to the low 100s across urban and coastal areas.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents, particularly in the southern and southeastern coastal plains, are advised to remain vigilant due to the localized fire weather threat. It is crucial to avoid outdoor burning during windy conditions and to have an emergency plan in place. Additionally, residents should monitor local forecasts for sudden heavy rainfall and localized flooding from afternoon thunderstorms.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters and emergency responders are effectively utilizing joint-agency resources. The integration of National Guard assets for communication, water transport, and medical support at the Cayey fire demonstrates a robust, coordinated approach to complex incidents, ensuring that local fire departments are not overwhelmed.

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: www.weather.gov/sju

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.