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A large fire has been affecting forested areas of Torre Vieja since Tuesday, in the locality of San Simón de las Cuchillas, municipality of San Juan y Martínez, in Pinar del Río.
So far, about 300 hectares of forest have been reported as damaged, while the flames continue to spread uncontrollably, reported Tele Pinar.
The fire, which originated around 3:10 PM on March 18, has several active fronts, advancing north toward Arroyo del Infierno and south toward Bolondrón, in the area bordering Guane.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, Provincial Chief of the Forest Rangers, four brigades from the municipalities of San Juan y Martínez, Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río, and Guane are participating in the firefighting efforts, alongside forces from the Forestry Companies.
In addition, two new brigades were sent from Sandino and Viñales to reinforce efforts in the affected area.
The official explained that firefighting efforts are complicated due to the area's geography, with poorly accessible roads that hinder the access of firefighting teams.
The Ministry of Interior (MININT) reported on Facebook that the fire has affected pine forests and has spread uncontrollably due to strong wind gusts between 45 and 50 km/h, the inaccessibility of the terrain, and the severe drought affecting the area, with more than 30 days without rain.
Despite the scale of the disaster, the MININT assured that it does not pose an immediate danger to the residents of the area. As a precautionary measure, temporary working groups from the Municipal Defense Council of San Juan and Martínez have been activated to coordinate response actions.
According to the newspaper Granma, several measures would be taken on Wednesday morning to combat the fire, including an aerial reconnaissance flight to assess the spread of the flames and identify areas where the backburn technique could be applied to slow its progress.
Additionally, the use of a bulldozer is planned for the construction of a firebreak along the fire's spread front, a strategy that will be determined after aerial assessment.
The causes of the fire are still under investigation, and the relevant authorities are working to clarify the origin of the incident while efforts to extinguish the flames continue.
A week ago, in the early morning, there was a fire at the intersection of Rafael Ferro Avenue and Máximo Gómez Street in the city of Pinar del Río.
According to reports from Tele Pinar and the journalist from the Cuban News Agency (ACN), Evelyn Corbillón Díaz, the fire started around 1:00 a.m. and was extinguished by approximately 3:45 a.m. thanks to the swift intervention of the Fire Department, with support from forces of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and Aqueduct.
According to statements from Lieutenant Colonel Raúl Iván Enrique Bello, head of the Fire Department in the province, the incident originated in the UEB Forestal and quickly spread to nearby homes due to the intense flames and the presence of multiple pathways for propagation.
Some of the damage from the incident was reported in telecommunications, with partial interruptions reported in seven copper multi-pair cable sheaths, as well as damage to a wooden pole.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wildfire in Pinar del Río
How many hectares have been affected by the fire in Pinar del Río?
The fire in Pinar del Río has affected approximately 300 hectares of forest, according to a report from Tele Pinar. The flames continue to spread uncontrollably due to the weather conditions and the difficulty of the terrain.
What are the causes of the forest fire in Pinar del Río?
The causes of the fire are still under investigation. However, the spread has been favored by strong gusts of wind and the severe drought in the area, which has seen no rainfall for over 30 days.
What measures are being taken to control the fire in Pinar del Río?
To combat the fire, brigades from various municipalities and forces from the Forestry Companies have been mobilized. Additionally, temporary working groups from the Municipal Defense Council have been activated to coordinate response actions.
Does the fire pose a danger to the local population?
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the fire does not pose an immediate danger to the residents of the area. However, the authorities are closely monitoring its progress and have implemented preventive measures.
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