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Although authorities have classified it as controlled, the large-scale wildfire that occurred in the area of San Simón de las Cuchillas, in the municipality of San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río, is still active this Thursday.
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, head of the Forest Rangers in the province, confirmed that specialized forces are working intensively to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby municipalities, particularly towards Guane, an area adjacent to the affected zone, reported Radio Guamá.
The fire, which started shortly after 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, has consumed approximately 350 hectares of male pine or caribaea at various stages of growth.
The complicated terrain, strong winds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, and drought conditions have significantly hindered efforts to extinguish the flames.
Among the measures adopted to control the situation, firebreaks were established, controlled burns were conducted, and an "ash guard" was put in place during the early hours to prevent the emergence of new hotspots.
Authorities reported that, so far, there is no danger to nearby communities, while the causes of the fire remain under investigation.
Tele Pinar reported this Wednesday that the fire, which started around 3:10 PM on March 18, had damaged approximately 300 hectares of forest and had several active fronts, advancing north towards Arroyo del Infierno and south towards Bolondrón, near the municipality of Guane.
In the morning, several measures had been taken to combat the fire, including an aerial reconnaissance flight to assess the spread of the flames and identify areas where backburning techniques could be applied to slow its advance.
A week ago, in the early hours, a fire was reported 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 journalist from the Cuban News Agency (ACN), Evelyn Corbillón Díaz, the fire started around 1:00 a.m. and was extinguished close to 3:45 a.m. thanks to the quick intervention of the Fire Department, with support from forces of the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and the Water Supply System.
According to statements from Lieutenant Colonel Raúl Iván Enrique Bello, head of the Fire Department in the province, the fire 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 multi-pair copper cable sheaths, as well as damage to a wooden pole.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wildfire in San Juan and Martínez
What is the current status of the wildfire in San Juan and Martínez?
The fire remains active although it is classified as controlled. Specialized forces are working to prevent its spread to nearby municipalities such as Guane.
How many hectares have been affected by the fire?
As of now, the fire has consumed approximately 350 hectares of Caribbean pine in various growth stages.
What are the main challenges in extinguishing the fire?
The efforts to extinguish the flames have been complicated due to the complex topography of the terrain, strong winds of up to 40 kilometers per hour, and drought conditions.
Are there risks for the communities near the fire?
According to the authorities, there is no immediate danger to the nearby communities, although efforts are ongoing to prevent the spread of the fire.
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