A fire of moderate proportions consumed around 250 hectares of pasture this Tuesday in areas near the Photovoltaic Solar Park (PSFV) of the municipality of La Sierpe, in the province of Sancti Spíritus.
The official newspaper Escambray downplayed the event despite the magnitude of the fire revealed by the circulated images.
The official source highlighted that the solar park "suffered no damage" and is ready for operation, but omitted the ecological impact and the effects on the environment in the affected area.
The fire broke out in the afternoon of February 18 and spread quickly due to the intense drought affecting the region, which is mostly dedicated to livestock grazing.
Although there were firebreak trails, the flames advanced dangerously close to the Solar Park.
Nevertheless, local authorities assured that there were no impacts on the infrastructure nor any harm to the animals.
According to statements made by Carlos Gutiérrez Rodríguez, the first secretary of the Party in the region, the swift intervention of the Fire Department, workers from the solar park, officials from the Party, the Government, and the Arrocera Sur del Jíbaro company, along with local residents, allowed the flames to be extinguished in the nighttime hours.
The authorities have opened an investigation to clarify the causes of the incident.
This is not the first time a solar park has caught fire in Cuba in recent months.
In December 2024, a fire broke out at a solar photovoltaic park under construction in the municipality of Abreus, Cienfuegos.
In that case, there were no human losses, although there were material losses, as a batch of panels that were set to be installed soon was stored at the site of the incident, according to the director of investments at the Electric Company of Cienfuegos.
In that case, the causes of the fire were not disclosed either.
Frequently Asked Questions about the fire at the photovoltaic solar park in Sancti Spíritus
What areas were affected by the fire in Sancti Spíritus?
The fire consumed approximately 250 hectares of pasture near the Photovoltaic Solar Park in the municipality of La Sierpe, in Sancti Spíritus. Despite the severity of the blaze, the solar park did not suffer any damage.
What was the official newspaper Escambray's reaction to the fire?
The official newspaper Escambray downplayed the event, emphasizing that the solar park was not damaged, but failed to mention the ecological and environmental impact in the affected area.
What factors contributed to the spread of the fire in Sancti Spíritus?
The intense drought in the region facilitated the rapid spread of the fire, which expanded despite the presence of firebreak trails.
How was the fire controlled near the solar park in Sancti Spíritus?
The rapid intervention of the Fire Department, solar park workers, and other local actors extinguished the fire in the late hours of the night, preventing damage to the park's infrastructure and to the animals in the area.
Filed under:
