Tulum, Q.R. — Quintana Roo’s first forest fires of the year have been reported in the municipality of Tulum. According to the Daily Forest Fire Report by the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), there are currently two active fires.
Together, the two fires cover an area of 21 hectares and are currently being addressed by firefighting crews.
José Javier May Chan, who heads Quintana Roo Conafor, says 24 firefighters are participating in control and suppression efforts, working to prevent the fire from spreading.
The first fire is located in the San Pedro/La Iguana area where the fire has been burning since March 27. To date, that fire has affected 4.9 hectares with 90 percent reported controlled and 80 percent liquidation.
The second forest fire is located in El Acahual / El Sendero where the fire started on March 29. On Sunday morning, Conafor (Comisión Nacional Forestal) was alerted to the start of the fire, which to date, has consumed 16 hectares.
Authorities reported that the fire is showing significant progress in its containment, with total control reported and 90 percent extinguished, although brigades remain in the area to prevent a possible flare-up.
According to Conafor, as of April 1 there are 26 active forest fires burning across Mexico. More than 500 fire fighters are out battling blazes in five states that have so far affected over 3,000 hectares.
