Holbox Restaurant Fire Causes Millions in Damages, Injures Six

Holbox Island, Lázaro Cárdenas Municipality, Quintana Roo — A fire that broke out at the restaurant Mr. Happy on Holbox Island resulted in millions of pesos in damages for multiple businesses, reigniting calls for a fully equipped fire station with sufficient personnel on the island. The blaze, fueled by dry vegetation and local construction materials, also spread to a private residence and a hotel before being contained.

Rapid Response Prevents Fatalities

The fire was controlled thanks to the swift intervention of Civil Protection and Fire Department personnel from Kantunilkin, preventing loss of life. However, the flames damaged a daycare center, a private home, the Zomay Hotel, and an animal shelter called Refugio de Animales.

According to Víctor Cortés, Deputy Director of Fiscalization, the fire originated from an uncontrolled gas leak in the restaurant’s kitchen area. Initial attempts to extinguish the flames were made by local residents, followed by municipal authorities using a water tanker.

Fire Spreads Amid Dry Conditions

The incident began on Damero Street near the daycare center before spreading to Tintorera Street. Dry vegetation in the area intensified the blaze, consuming structures built with regional materials.

Holbox Mayor Josué Nivardo Mena Villanueva pledged support for those who lost belongings in the fire, expressing solidarity with affected families and offering assistance to mitigate their losses.

Emergency Teams Coordinate Efforts

Civil Protection and firefighting teams remain on-site alongside authorities to assess responsibilities. The fire has since been extinguished.

Emergency response efforts included volunteers, municipal and state Civil Protection units, firefighters from Cancún and Playa del Carmen, and the Hotel Association. Their coordinated use of fire pumps and water tankers helped contain the blaze.

Six individuals sustained minor injuries, including three affected by smoke inhalation and three with superficial wounds that did not require hospitalization. All are reported to be out of danger.

Local resident Manuel Eloy González Novelo documented the incident on social media. The State Civil Protection Coordination confirmed that joint efforts successfully prevented further damage.