Mexico City, July 16 -- A fire in the Sian Ka'an nature reserve on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula spread to more than 6,000 acres (2,500 hectares) on Monday, with just 30% 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. The ruin site of Muyil, which was once an important stop along Mayan trade routes, was closed until the danger had passed, authorities added.

Environment Secretary Alfredo Arellano told Imagen Radio that drought and intense heat contributed to the blaze.

"This fire is taking place in a region of savannah that is very difficult to control because it's basically high grass where the fire spreads rapidly," he said.

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