Othón P. Blanco, Q.R. — Dozens of forest firefighters continue to battle a wildfire across from Chetumal Bay. The fire began over the weekend and is reported to be approximately 50 percent contained.
According to the National Forestry Commission, firefighters arrived at the site May 15, locating a forest fire within Jas, a state’s natural protected area. A total of 38 firefighters were sent to the other side of the bay by boat Friday night.
Over the weekend, firefighters have gotten the upper hand, reporting the wildfire to be 50% contained and 40% extinguished. The Comisión Nacional Forestal said the fire is slow to spread given the area’s natural humidity.
“In Quintana Roo, 38 personnel from the Mexican Navy, State Civil Protection, the Quintana Roo State Government, and CONAFOR (National Forestry Commission) are working together to extinguish the forest fire in the Jas area of Othón P. Blanco, across from Chetumal Bay,” the National Forestry Commission explained.
“Currently, the fire is 50% contained and 40% extinguished. The fire is primarily affecting savanna ecosystems with halophytic grasses and is spreading slowly due to the area’s humidity and flood-prone terrain.
“The State Incident Management Team (EEMI) was activated on May 15 to bolster the response to this incident, which is occurring within a state-protected natural area.”
