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Fires in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Suomi NPP looks at fires burning over Yucatan peninsula
Suomi NPP's Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument captured a look at the fire and the smoke generated by numerous fires burning over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Actively burning areas detected by VIIRS are outlined in red.

Suomi NPP’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument captured a look at the fire and the smoke generated by numerous fires burning over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Actively burning areas detected by VIIRS are outlined in red. February to May is the dry season in this part of the world, and these fires may be intentional agricultural fires set by people to prepare for the upcoming growing season, or they may be accidental forest fires.

The Suomi NPP satellite is a joint mission between NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Department of Defense.

NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team.
Caption: NASA/Goddard/Rob Gutro