Nicaragua: Major wildfire in Indio Maíz rain forest

Event

A major wildfire is ongoing in the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, located in the southeastern Caribbean region, as of Tuesday, April 10. More than 5000 hectares (12,000 acres) of land had been burned as of late April 9. Some 800 Nicaraguan soldiers have been deployed; Costa Rica and Mexico have also sent personnel and equipment to help extinguish the fire. The wildfire is in a remote area but a few small communities are threatened.

Context

One expert described the fire as the worst environmental disaster in Nicaragua’s history, especially considering it is hitting a rain forest region home to a variety of rare and endangered species.

Nicaragua's dry season lasts from November to April each year, exacerbating the risk of forest fires throughout the country.

Advice

Individuals in the southeast are advised to avoid the area and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.