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Sian Ka’an forest fire approximately 60 percent contained

Costa Maya, Q.R. — A forest fire that has been burning for several days near Muyil in the Sian Ka’an reserve has been reported as 60 percent contained. The governor of the state Carlos Joaquín González says that approximately 60 percent of the 2,500 hectare fire is finally under control.

Román Uriel Castillo of the National Forestry Commission in Quintana Roo explained that the affected area is mostly grasslands. He says weather conditions and the presence of strong winds created flames up to three meters in height and columns of black smoke “that makes it look drastic.”

He said they expect the burned area to recover in a couple of months, adding that 126 people are working to control and extinguish the fire who are paying particular attention to preventing the fire from consuming nearby forest.

Luis Pérez, Civil Protection Coordinator of Carrillo Puerto, says that the Mexican Air Force helicopter has been of enormous help with water discharges in the fire zone where the entry for combatants is very dangerous.

The state governor says the fire is expected to be completely extinguished in a few days.

“We estimate a little more than 60 percent is already controlled. We hope that between today and tomorrow it can be fully controlled and that weather conditions allow us to do that,” he added.