Othón P. Blanco, Q.R. — Quintana Roo forest firefighters are now monitoring a fire deemed extinguished south of Costa Maya. After more than a week of intense battles, the “Jas” fire south of Xcalak is finally out.
The Quintana Roo State Fire Management Centre officially reported the complete extinguishment of the forest fire Monday. The fire started more than a week ago within the Manatee Sanctuary State Reserve approximately 15 kilometers northwest of the coastal community of Xcalak.
Environmental authorities reported that the fire consumed a considerable area of vulnerable ecosystems, primarily composed of grasslands and semi-evergreen medium-height forest.
The Centre says the affected area has formally entered a phase of monitoring, surveillance, and preventative firebreak measures to prevent any spontaneous reactivation.
Local high temperatures, intense sunlight, and wind gusts currently prevailing in the region could help reignite the fire.
The Jas fire was fought by brigades from the National Forestry Commission who worked closely with the Mexican Navy, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and the State Coordination of Civil Protection.
State firefighters have returned to their bases.
The government has asked people to refrain from starting fires in forested areas or conducting agricultural burns without proper authorization.
