Nicaragua: Major wildfire in Indio Maíz biological reserve /update 1

Event

A major wildfire has been ongoing in the Indio Maíz biological reserve, located in the Caribbean region (southeast), since April 3. On Tuesday, April 10, the army declared the area of the fire - south of the Indio and Pejibaye rivers, west of the Caribbean coast, north of the San Juan River, and east of the Bartola River - an emergency zone. The military has cracked down on access to the area, angering local communities. Associated protests have been held in the capital Managua. Further protests are possible.

The fire, the cause of which remains unknown, has spread particularly fast in part due to an abundance of dead trees and dried palms, a remnant of Hurricane Otto which struck the area in 2016. More than 5000 hectares (12,000 acres) of land had been burned as of early April 10. Some 800 Nicaraguan soldiers have been deployed to combat the flames, as well as personnel and equipment from Costa Rica and Mexico.

Context

Nicaragua's dry season lasts from November to April each year, exacerbating the risk of forest fires throughout the country. One expert has described the Indio Maíz fire as the worst environmental disaster in Nicaragua’s history, particularly because it is impacting a rain forest region home to a variety of rare and endangered species.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to avoid the area and any protests as a precaution and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.