Sian Ka’an, Q.R. — A forest fire that began several days ago continues to burn out of control at Sian Ka’án. The fire, which is believed to have been started by poachers, has already engulfed more than 2,000 hectares in the Lagunas de Muyil area.
The ravenous fire continues to consume forest and grasslands in an area to the east of the archaeological site of Muyil of the Sian ka’an Reserve, which is home to jaguars and white-tailed deer.
Brigades of the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) and teams of ejidatarios of X-Hazil, Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Chunyaxché continue to battle the massive blaze which has damaged the exotic flora and fauna of the world reserve.
Adrián Martínez, state coordinator of Civil Protection, has confirmed the land burned so far in Sian Ka’an is at least 2,000 hectares. The Mexican Air Force, Sedena, Civil Protection and the municipalities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Tulum are extending efforts to extinguish the fire.
The Secretariat of Ecology and Environment made an air tour of the affected area in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The state governor said that resources have been allocated to put out the fire, however, personnel from Sedena and Semar will join efforts if needed.
Staff of the National Forestry Commission and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas were on board for the area fly over. “We detected that the fire affects the Savannah and a part of the middle forest in the core sub-zone of Muyil. So far the conflagration covers 2,000 hectares, but we are already working to control the situation,” explained Alfredo Arellano.
Authorities blame poachers in the area who they say, are the cause of the intense fire due to drought. The smoke is now visible from the federal Cancun-Chetumal highway and, according to experts, will take at least two weeks to fully put out.
