Mexican Firefighters Battle Massive Forest Fire

April 24, 2012
More than 350 firefighters are battling a massive wildfire in the Pimavera Forest that has been burning for more than three days.

More than 350 firefighters are battling a massive wildfire in the Pimavera Forest that has been burning for more than three days.

The fire has affected well over 7,000 acres of federally protected reserve and is the largest in the forest since May 2005, according to The Guadalajara Reporter.

The forest, which sits on the western outskirts of Guadalajara, is often referred to as the city's "lung" for its moderating effect on the climate.

Firefighters had two-thirds of the blaze controlled, but a huge plume of smoke was still visible from many parts of the city.

The flames have yet to reach a residential area, but was less than a mile from the Pinar de la Venta neighborhood on Tuesday morning, officials said.

At least five helicopters are being used to drop water on the wildfire and a "water bomber" is expected to be sent in from the U.S. by Tuesday to help fight the blaze.

Four firefighters have been treated for smoke inhalation, but no other injuries have been reported.

While officials said the air quality of the city had not been affect by the blaze, personnel from the State Health Department distributed 8,000 face masks in neighborhoods near the blaze on Sunday and Monday.

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