Numerous fires were detected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Terra satellite on April 13, 2004, as the spacecraft passed over southern Mexico. The fires are marked with orange dots in this scene, which centers on the region south of Lake Chapala (northwest of image center). The lake and the Pacific Ocean are brightened by sun glint on the water. North of the lake is the city of Guadalajara.
The widespread nature of the fires and the time of year suggests that these fires are being set intentionally for agricultural purposes. Though not necessarily hazardous, such large-scale burning can have a strong impact on weather, climate, human health, and natural resources.
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Image by Jesse Allen, based on data from the MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA-GSFC
