A large fire that broke out in the early hours of Friday, March 6, caused severe damage in the Punta Zicatela tourist area, in the municipality of Santa María Colotepec, on the coast of Oaxaca.
The fire started between 1:15 and 1:30 a.m. and spread rapidly among the palapa structures, destroying more than twenty establishments, including restaurants, bars, and cabins located in this popular destination near Puerto Escondido.
According to preliminary reports, at least 15 restaurants and around 20 palapas were consumed by the flames, resulting in total material losses for several businesses.
The mayor of Santa María Colotepec, Román Valencia, reported that the fire caused significant damage to merchants and tourism service providers operating in this coastal area.
Firefighters, municipal Civil Protection personnel, municipal police, traffic officers, and members of the 54th Infantry Battalion participated in the efforts to control the blaze.
Local residents, restaurant owners, and hotel owners also joined the effort, helping to contain the fire and later beginning the cleanup of the debris left by the fire.
Although the emergency caused tense moments and forced the evacuation of several nearby families, authorities confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities.
The cause of the fire is still unknown and remains under investigation, while work continues in the area to remove debris and eliminate any remaining hotspots that could reignite the fire.
Source: Azteca Noticias
