Punta Zicatela, Oaxaca — State Civil Protection is investigating the cause of a massive beachside fire in Punta Zicatela. Dozens of structures were devoured in a fire that started Thursday evening in a tourist area of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.
Firemen battled the fire for hours before finally declaring it out. According to authorities, as many as 60 structures were burned. Those structures included palapa cabins, boats, restaurants and businesses that were left completely destroyed.
The fire broke out Thursday evening in one of the areas most frequented by tourists. The flames spread fast due to the dry wood and grass used to build many of the structures. Strong winds only fueled the fire.
Members of the Puerto Escondido Fire Department, Civil Protection and municipal authorities were at the scene. Authorities worked for several hours to control the fire and prevent further spreading.
Due to the size of the fire and fast movement of the flames, Civil Protection and police worked to evacuate the entire area. Tourists, residents and local vendors were forced out until the fire became controlled.
According to the Government of the State of Oaxaca, were were no fatalities, however, they did confirm millions of dollars in property losses. On Friday morning, Oaxaca State Civil Protection were back on scene investigating what happened.
“Staff from the Directorate of Research, Diagnosis and Risk Management are conducting damage assessment and verification following the fire in Punta Zicatela,” Coordinación Estatal de Protección Civil y Gestión de Riesgos de Oaxaca posted Friday.
“Personnel from the Research, Diagnosis, and Risk Management Directorate of the State Coordination of Civil Protection and Risk Management are currently assessing and verifying the damage following the fire in Punta Zicatela.
“As part of these efforts, flammable materials are also being removed from the affected area to prevent further risks and ensure the safety of the site,” the state agency said.
A cause for the massive overnight fire is still unknown.
