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Three Tulum buildings destroyed by raging palapa fire

Tulum, Q.R. — Three palapa structures in Tulum have burned in their entirety after catching fire. Tulum firemen responded to the call for assistance Sunday at 2:00 p.m. after one of the palapas ignited and quickly began to spread.

Wind gusts helped fan flames, which also burned the Zenses Wellness and Yoga Resort Hotel. According to information provided by Civil Protection, the fire began in a palapa located on Mercury Oriente Street.

Responding firemen arrived to find two more adjoining palapas had also caught fire and were burning out of control. Firemen met with Zenses manager Wilberth Morales Ramirez, who immediately proceeded to evacuate guests.

The street was cordoned off while nine firefighters under the command of Ever Masiel, along with three units, fought back against flames. At least three palapa structures were destroyed.

In January of this year, more than 20 businesses were destroyed by a palapa fire in Tulum’s Jungle Market.

One week ago, a fire that began in an Isla Mujeres restaurant consumed at least six businesses and damaged several others. Preliminary reports say that fire was started by a fat fryer in a restaurant.