Fire destroys 50+ beach palapas in Mahahual, suspect arrested

MAHAHUAL, MX. – With losses not yet quantified and during the peak holiday season, tourism service providers in Mahahual experienced a bitter Christmas after an intentional fire consumed over 50 palapas and at least 240 sunbeds located in the beach area.

According to initial investigations, a man allegedly started the fire and has been detained and placed at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Residents and visitors reported that the incident began during the early morning hours in one of the palapas located in the coastal area and spread rapidly because these structures are built with grass and palm.

The fire spread quickly due to wind action, and although tourists and residents attempted to extinguish it using buckets and seawater, the flames overwhelmed initial efforts.

Preliminarily, the loss of approximately 240 sunbeds and an undetermined number of palapas used for displaying handicrafts, massage services, and food sales, among other businesses, is reported.

The damages were described as incalculable, while the owners of the affected establishments await the corresponding procedures from the State Attorney General’s Office.

Through a statement, the Othón P. Blanco Municipal Council reported that Fire Department personnel went to the site to control and extinguish the fire, which started around 03:00 hours on December 25.

Upon arriving at the location, firefighters found several palapas burning in the restaurant area adjacent to the beach and coastal road. Due to strong winds, the flames spread rapidly and reached approximately 50 palapas, making it necessary to pour over 9,000 liters of water, with the support of a fire truck, to contain the incident.

For these events, one person remains detained as the alleged person responsible for the fire.

Finally, it was reported that Municipal President Yensunni Martínez Hernández maintains communication with restaurateurs and tourism service providers in the community, who are being provided with support and legal assistance.