Forest Fire Burning Near Tulum

TULUM -- Civil defense personnel and local farmers are working together to fight a forest fire just miles from the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum. The fire has already consumed 20 hectares of forest land.

Since the location is fairly remote and fire-fighting resources are scarce, there are not yet enough personnel on the scene to completely contain the fire.

The fire is believed to have been started by man and authorities are looking to find the person or persons responsible. Since the fire is well off the tourist trail, police are focusing their investigation on local residents.

The forest is very dry in this region and it has been difficult to get enough water to the area to successfully fight the fire. Authorities have urged members of the community to be extra careful and not burn brush or trash with open fires, but the warnings have been largely ignored.

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NEWS FLASH: Fire Dancers Return to Blue Parrot

PLAYA DEL CARMEN -- For many Riviera Maya travelers in the 1990s and through to 2005, the fire dancers at Blue Parrot nightclub were one of the highlights of their trip. This all changed a year ago when an errant fireball thrown from one of the dancer's torches ignited the palapa roof above the bar and spread to neighboring hotels and bars. The area was evacuated and there were no casualties, but the fire caused millions of dollars of damage.

In August, the management at Blue Parrot petitioned city officials to return their license to perform their fire show. After several months of negotiations, the popular night spot has been granted the permit and the shows have returned, much to the delight of Playa del Carmen travelers.

The bar has agreed to have a crew of fire extinguishers at the ready and has taken out a $2 million USD insurance policy. The show must also take place 50 feet from the main bar, which puts it out on the beach near the waterline.

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