Firefighters battle to control blaze near Río Lagartos that has charred 200 acres of jungle

On Tuesday April 5th, a fire started near the Tizimín-Rio Lagartos highway, and it has consumed 90 hectares (222 acres) of grassland and forest so far.

The National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) installed fences to prevent the fire from reaching the Rio Lagartos biosphere, which has important mangrove areas.

According to the Conafor, the incident is about 50 percent under control, and there is no danger that it could spread the to Rio Lagartos Biosphere protected area.

Conafor workers along with firefighters and staff from the National Commission on Protected Areas have been involved in the task.

rio lagartos incendio 1 — Photo: sipse.com

The main objective is to prevent the fire from reaching the Rio Lagartos Biosphere, where several protected species of plants and animals coexist in the mangroves and dunes.

According to the initial balance, 90 hectares (222 acres) of jungle have been consumed by the fire so far.

Conafor has been constantly monitoring the progress of the work brigade to control the fire.