Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A forest fire outside the seaside town of Playa del Carmen continues to burn. The fire, which started more than a week ago, has already consumed 75 hectares.
The SPC (Secretaría de Protección Civil, Prevención de Riesgos y Bomberos) of Solidaridad has reported briefly on the fire, which continues to keep forest firefighters busy in the community of Okolkin.
“The forest fire in the Okolkin community remains active, therefore the Ocelotes brigade of the operational directorate, firefighters, CONAFOR and SEDENA remain in the area working at full speed to liquidate it,” the SPC reported.
State forest firefighters began their battle April 5. Smoke from the fire, which is located approximately nine kilometers west of Playa del Carmen in the community of Okolkin, has not affected city residents.
Jorge Vázquez Oropeza, the Secretary of Solidaridad Civil Protection, said the fire began more than a week ago near the municipal retention center and has already consumed approximately 75 hectares.
The stubborn fire, which is being fanned by a week of strong winds, was started after an intentional garbage burn got out of control. Vázquez Oropeza said there are 35 elements from various state agencies who continue to work to put it out.
