Fires threaten Tikal ruins

If you live anywhere in Belize other than the coast, chances are that even as you watch this newscast you can’t help but notice the smell of smoke. From Hondo to Sarstoon, fires are burning, making the oppressively hot dry season even more uncomfortable. Some of the fires are deliberately set to clear land for milpa farming while many others are wildfires which can rage for days across miles of territory. But as bad as things are in Belize it appears that the situation is worse across the border. An appeal has been received from people associated with Tikal National Park in Guatemala. They report that 10 fires are currently raging in the 576 square kilometre reserve, primarily in the park’s southwest quadrant. These fires threaten a number of ancient Maya sites as well as the area’s wildlife. Of particular importance is the natural biological corridor that the Peten shares with Belize. A large area of devastation can seriously threaten the biodiversity, which the corridor enhances. Park personnel have been battling the blazes for over a month and are said to be very low on resources. While authorities are not asking for cash donations they can use things like food, water, machetes, chainsaws and above all people to help fight the inferno. Any viewers interested in helping out across the border can contact Sofia Paredes at 502-591-0888. She told us this afternoon that park officials are hoping that Guatemala’s president will soon declare a state of emergency and release additional resources to the area.