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Firefighters and park rangers from the province of Guantánamo extinguished a wildfire that broke out in the municipality of Baracoa this Saturday.
According to the report from the local newspaper Venceremos on its social media, the fire consumed 1.5 hectares in an area of Cayo Güin, a region that features a large forested area.
"Forest Rangers and the Forestry Service in Guantánamo controlled a wildfire within 24 hours that occurred in Cayo Güin in the Baracoa municipality, covering an area of 1.5 hectares. The causes are being investigated," the official report stated, without providing further details.
The shared images show a group of 10 firefighters and forest rangers who arrived in a truck to control the flames.
This is not the only incident of this kind that has occurred in that province. Last month, a strong fire broke out in sugarcane fields near the area of the Honduras sugar mill, in the municipality of Manuel Tames, Guantánamo.
The incident, caused by "social indiscipline," led to the closure of vehicle traffic in the area until the fire was completely extinguished.
Additionally, a pole that supported the 33,000 Volt power lines was damaged, so the line was disconnected from Jamaica (the primary population center of the Manuel Tames municipality) to the Yateras municipality for assessment and subsequent replacement.
The drought, another factor that affects the number of wildfires reported in rural areas of the province, was also one of the triggers for the fire that broke out in January in the localities of Tres Fiebres, in Moa, and Alto de Cruzata, Yateras, in areas belonging to the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (PNAH).
Indeed, the province of Guantánamo, where part of the PNAH area is located, reported its most active season of wildfires in 2023 since records of such events have been kept in this region of eastern Cuba, according to local authorities.
More than 630 hectares were affected by fire in 65 incidents that occurred during that critical wildfire season, which concluded on May 31.
Frequently asked questions about wildfires in Guantánamo
How was the forest fire in Guantánamo brought under control?
The forest fire in Guantánamo was brought under control in less than 24 hours thanks to the swift intervention of firefighters and park rangers in the Cayo Güin area, in Baracoa. Effective extinguishing techniques were used to prevent the fire from spreading, which affected 1.5 hectares.
What factors are contributing to the occurrence of fires in Guantánamo?
drought is one of the main factors contributing to the occurrence of fires in Guantánamo. Additionally, "social indiscipline" such as the improper use of fire to clear harvested areas has also been identified as causes of recent fires in the region.
What has been the impact of wildfires in Guantánamo in recent years?
Guantánamo has experienced one of the most active wildfire seasons in its recent history, with over 630 hectares affected in 65 incidents. These fires have damaged significant forest areas and have required concerted firefighting efforts from local authorities.
What measures are being taken to prevent future fires in Guantánamo?
Authorities are investigating the causes of the fires to implement preventive measures. This includes intensive monitoring and raising awareness about practices that can trigger fires, such as controlled burns in agricultural areas without the proper precautions.
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