The State Forest Fire Control Center reports that the situation with forest fires in the state of Quintana Roo is as follows:
- “Muyil” fire (at the Sian Ka’an nature reserve) 95% of the 3,000 hectares are under control and 85% have been extinguished.
- “La Hondonada” fire (in Alfredo V. Bonfil municipality of Benito Juárez), 90% of the 360 hectares were controlled and 65% extinguished.
- “El Laurel” fire, out of the 40 hectares on fire, 40% are under control and 30% extinguished.
The team of firefighters is conformed by 161 elements belonging to CONAFOR, CONANP, SEDENA and Civil Protection.
Authorities of the Quintana Roo state government may assess the damage once the fires have been totally extinguished.
Alfredo Arellano Guillermo head of Ecology and Environment reported that most forest fires in Quintana Roo are caused by human neglect. Campfires, cigarette butt, an agricultural burn that gets out of control or a wandering firework can be enough to cause a fire. A single dry branch can start a forest fire.
The Ecology and Environment official said that drought conditions increase the risk of forest fires. Winds can also push forest fires and spread the coals. Hot conditions can make the soil more prone to burn, and on a hot day, rising hot air can create a path for fire to travel quickly.
“Forest fires can occur anywhere, especially considering that human errors are responsible for many of them. But areas with shrubby vegetation and those in dry conditions are more susceptible to take fire”, Arellano Guillermo concluded.
The Yucatan Times Newsroom with information from La Verdad
