Arson Confirmed in Lorne Ross Park Fire
Fire in Costa Rica's Lorne Ross Urban Natural Park resulted in significant land damage and raised concerns over vandalism.
An extensive fire broke out in Lorne Ross Urban Natural Park in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, on the night of March 26, 2025, affecting over five hectares of land.
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has confirmed that initial investigations indicate the fire was caused by acts of vandalism, originating near the roadside.
SINAC reported that the fire primarily consumed grasslands, and no damage was inflicted on forest areas or built infrastructure.
Firefighters from Costa Rica responded promptly following public reports, with six units deployed to manage the containment efforts.
The firefighting personnel successfully prevented the flames from endangering around 40 nearby homes, despite challenges posed by the area’s rugged terrain and shifting winds that complicated accessibility.
The incident followed a prior report on March 26 concerning a fire on the same site, highlighting ongoing issues of fire incidents in the region, with over 32 recorded since 2020. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, working to extinguish remaining hotspots while investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The park, originally donated to the state in 1975 for conservation and educational purposes by Lorne Ross and Agnes May, has recently been at the center of legislative debates over its intended future use.
Proposals suggest either establishing a natural urban park or constructing a water-themed park with artificial lighting, leading to significant political contention between proponents and opponents of each project.
As investigations unfold, the operational director of the firefighting unit expressed the willingness to support ongoing inquiries into the fire's origins, emphasizing the recurring nature of such incidents in the area.
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) has confirmed that initial investigations indicate the fire was caused by acts of vandalism, originating near the roadside.
SINAC reported that the fire primarily consumed grasslands, and no damage was inflicted on forest areas or built infrastructure.
Firefighters from Costa Rica responded promptly following public reports, with six units deployed to manage the containment efforts.
The firefighting personnel successfully prevented the flames from endangering around 40 nearby homes, despite challenges posed by the area’s rugged terrain and shifting winds that complicated accessibility.
The incident followed a prior report on March 26 concerning a fire on the same site, highlighting ongoing issues of fire incidents in the region, with over 32 recorded since 2020. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, working to extinguish remaining hotspots while investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The park, originally donated to the state in 1975 for conservation and educational purposes by Lorne Ross and Agnes May, has recently been at the center of legislative debates over its intended future use.
Proposals suggest either establishing a natural urban park or constructing a water-themed park with artificial lighting, leading to significant political contention between proponents and opponents of each project.
As investigations unfold, the operational director of the firefighting unit expressed the willingness to support ongoing inquiries into the fire's origins, emphasizing the recurring nature of such incidents in the area.
