A major fire razed at least 15 restaurants and 20 palapas in the tourist strip of Punta Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, early Friday morning. The blaze started around 1:15 a.m. and was brought under control after several hours of efforts by emergency teams. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The fire broke out early Friday morning in the tourist area of Punta Zicatela, renowned for its laid-back vibe and appeal to national and international visitors. Initial reports state the blaze started at 1:15 a.m., prompting an immediate response from Protección Civil units and personnel from the Santa María Colotepec municipality.
The area's structures, primarily built with flammable materials like dry palm, wood, and lightweight frames, allowed the flames to spread quickly among seaside establishments. The incident damaged at least 15 restaurants and around 20 palapas used for food and drink sales, causing substantial material losses in this busy zone.
After intense efforts, officials contained the fire, stopping it from reaching nearby businesses and homes. Santa María Colotepec's mayor, Román Valencia, noted that the timely action by emergency responders prevented a larger disaster. Those on site evacuated safely in time, limiting the impact to property damage, with several businesses left in ashes.
Municipal authorities announced that investigations into the fire's cause will begin in the coming hours. Owners of the affected properties are assessing damages and preparing for the reconstruction of this vital tourist corridor.
