Tulum, Q.R. — At least 10 hectares of protected forest continues to burn in the municipality of Tulum. The massive forest fire continues to grow in size as it spreads through incredibly dry jungle. Strong winds have also helped fan flames.
Approximately 10 hectares of tropical rainforest in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve has already been devoured by the devastating fire. Firefighters and nearby residents of Boca Paila have been trying to put out the fire located within the Sian Ka’an Ecological Reserve.
New volunteers from the area have joined in the efforts to contain the raging fire. Residents from Boca Paila, Pedro Paila, Casa Playa Azul, Casa Mayakan, among others, are working to stop the fire from spreading and forcing a human evacuation.
The devastating forest fire continues to spread out of control within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, endangering homes and raising concerns among residents of the Boca Paila area.
Firefighters and volunteers have been battling the rapidly spreading flames for more than 36 hours in the ecological reserve, which is considered one of the most important of the Mexican Caribbean.
Local officials made a progress report on the fire in its second day of devouring the protected jungle area. According to Sergio Canto Contreras, Director General of Civil Protection and the Fire Department, at least 12 hectares of the natural reserved burned in the fire.
He reported that the fire has been controlled and is the result of a efforts between private volunteers, Civil Protection, firefighters and UNTRAC unions.
He said after a tour, the fire was considered out but would likely still emit smoke. Canto Contreras did not provide a possible cause for the forest fire that burned two day in the reserve.
