Tulum, Q.R. — The occupants of a modest Mayan palapa tried desperately to save it from a weekend fire. The dry grass-topped roof began to burn around 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
Those inside tried to put out the burning roof with buckets of water but were unable to stop the flames from spreading. Neighbors requested help from the Tulum fire department who arrived to a fully engulfed building.
The fire happened on Kukulkan Avenue in the Tulum Ejido area early Sunday. The bright flames reached several meters in height and were visible from a great distance, alerting neighbors.
Civil Protection personnel and the Fire Department of Tulum arrived at the scene as first responders and were able to extinguish the flames before they spread to the trees and surrounding properties.
Fortunately, no injuries or victims requiring medical attention were reported. Municipal authorities have begun investigating the cause of the fire. Public Security personnel also arrived at the scene to cordon off the area while debris removal and damage assessment was carried out.
