Wildfire rages through biosphere reserve in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has devastated more than 2,500 hectares, authorities said on Monday.

Discovered on July 8, the blaze was just 30 percent under control. The fire's advance across the brush and high grass has slowed but continues to burn, said the Environment Department of Quintana Roo state.

About 100 people, including air force soldiers, were battling the flames in the 528,148-hectare-reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern state of Quintana Roo.

Drought and intense heat contributed to the blaze, said the department.