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A large wildfire in Torre Vieja, in the province of Pinar del Río, has finally been brought under control after destroying 400 hectares of forests, primarily consisting of pines, as reported by Radio Guamá.
The fire started on Tuesday afternoon in the mountains of San Juan y Martínez, specifically in the Torre Vieja area, about 25 kilometers from the municipal capital.
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, head of the Forestry Corps in the province, detailed that the firefighting efforts involved six brigades, made up of 81 forest rangers and 27 workers from the Agroforestry Company of Pinar del Río. Over 100 personnel from the CGB and the Agroforestry Company remain in the area to ensure that the flames do not surpass the containment lines.
The fire spread rapidly due to the high concentration of combustible material and strong winds of up to 40 km/h. To contain its advance, the brigades have employed the creation of firebreaks both manually and mechanically, the use of two bulldozers, and the technique of backburning.
According to EFE, the fire has been classified as the largest so far this year in Cuba. The Cuerpo de Guardabosques de Cuba (CGB) confirmed that intensive monitoring is ongoing in the area to prevent a resurgence of the fire. Pereda Burón stated that, although the fire remains active, it is contained within the controlled area. No damage to nearby communities has been reported.
Authorities have warned about the adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and a severe drought, factors that have contributed to the spread of these fires in Pinar del Río. The fire started last Tuesday and continued to spread in the following days. Finally, containment efforts were able to halt the spread and stabilize the situation.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of these incidents and to establish preventive measures that minimize the risk of future fires in the region.
Pinar del Río, with over 411,000 hectares of forests and 48% of its area covered by trees, is one of the most reforested provinces in Cuba, but has suffered significant damage from fires in recent years. According to data from the Cuerpo de Guardabosques de Cuba, between January 1 and February 24, 2025, there were 70 wildfires recorded on the island, affecting 161.55 hectares of forests.
In 2024, during the dry season from January to May, 326 fires ravaged nearly 3,000 hectares.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Forest Fire in Pinar del Río
How many hectares were affected by the fire in Pinar del Río?
The forest fire ravaged 400 hectares of forests in the province of Pinar del Río, primarily in the Torre Vieja area of the municipality of San Juan y Martínez. The rapid spread of the fire was due to the concentration of combustible material and adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds and severe drought.
What were the main causes of the fire's spread?
The fire spread rapidly due to the high concentration of combustible material and strong winds that reached up to 40 km/h. Additionally, the severe drought in the region, with more than 30 days without rain, significantly contributed to the expansion of the flames.
What measures were taken to control the forest fire in Pinar del Río?
To control the fire, six brigades consisting of 81 forest rangers and 27 workers from the Agroforestry Company of Pinar del Río were employed. Firebreak lines, both manual and mechanized, as well as backburning techniques were used to contain the flames within a controlled area.
What impact has the fire had on the nearby communities?
No direct impacts have been reported on nearby communities due to the fire in Pinar del Río. Authorities have assured that there is no immediate danger to the residents of the area, although intensive monitoring is ongoing to prevent a resurgence of the fire.
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