Fires popped up all over Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Sunday, Feb. 22. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

Stuck in Mexico

‘We’re feeling more secure today’ Nanaimo tourists stranded in Puerto Vallarta

Feb 23, 2026 | 3:24 PM

NANAIMO — Getaway day for a pair of Nanaimo vacationers turned into a holding pattern after fires suddenly sprouted throughout Mexico, following the death of a notorious cartel leader.

Kayley, who wished not to disclose her exact location or last name for safety reasons, is currently remaining on resort property in Puerto Vallarta with her boyfriend and several members of his family.

By mid-morning Sunday, Feb. 22, the first signs of trouble erupted outside their resort when an ATV was set on fire.

“We saw the smoke, and all we thought was ‘Wow, that was really big.’ Then we looked at the other side of the resort, and we could count at least nine fires.”

Thick columns of smoke fill the air above Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Sunday, Feb. 22. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

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Those fires followed the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel by Mexican special forces.

Cars burned out by cartel members blocked roads at more than 250 points in 20 Mexican states, including in Puerto Vallarta, leaving smoke billowing into the air.

Kayley was told by “a shaken up” on-site travel agent to remain on the resort property for the time being.

Their week-long vacation was slated to end with a WestJet flight from Puerto Vallarta’s airport at 3 p.m. on Sunday, but was cancelled at 11 a.m. amid the chaos.

Kayley said it appears they can stay at the resort until arrangements are made to fly home.

“There’s no solid news from WestJet. Our trips usually show on our apps, and we can’t even see our cancelled flight anymore,” she said.

Monday is much calmer in Puerto Vallarta, Kayley told NanaimoNewsNOW.

‘We’re feeling more secure today,” Kayley said, noting resort guests are strongly encouraged to stay on the property for now.

Many more people were on the beach and in the resort pool on Monday, she said.

Restaurants are still open at the resort, but supply is limited, while drinking water availability is being rationed, Kayley said.

“I think everybody else is just watching the news as well. I don’t see anybody really in a panic which is good. I think lots of people are grabbing a little bit of extra water where they can, so they can have it in their rooms.”

Resort memo to Kayley and other resort guests, which included advice to stay within the resort property. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

Kayley and other family members have so far unsuccessfully attempted to register with the federal government, which reported its Registrations of Canadians Abroad portal had experienced interruptions because of extremely high volumes of registrants.

Over 26,000 registered Canadians are in Mexico, according to the federal government, as of early Monday morning.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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