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The first 62 days of 2025 marked an alarming start to the year for forests and other forested areas in Cuba: 136 fires ravaged 813.14 hectares, according to official data.
Between January 1 and March 3, the Cuban Forest Rangers Corps (CGC) reported a significant number of incidents across most Cuban provinces and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, with the only exceptions being Havana and Camagüey.
According to information from the Fire Management Department of the CGC to the Cuban News Agency (ACN), three areas accounted for more than half – 72 wildfires – of the total incidents that occurred during that period.
The province of Pinar del Río leads the statistics, with 30 fires and 479 damaged hectares; Isla de la Juventud reported 23 incidents and 56.7 hectares affected; and Cienfuegos recorded 19 incidents with damage to 46 hectares.
The fires in those three territories of the country devastated 581.7 hectares of forests and vegetation, equivalent to about 70% of the total area affected by active and controlled fires.
In Pinar del Río, the flames consumed species such as macurije, almácigo, guásima, and jobo.
The Corps of Rangers indicated among the causes of the fires the impact of natural phenomena such as drought and climate change, as well as negligence in fire management.
The entity affiliated with the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) stated that 95% of the incidents were caused by violations of safety regulations and illegal activities, due to human negligence such as land burning for various purposes, the irresponsibility of smokers and passersby, the operation of vehicles with technical defects (without spark arresters), illegal hunting and fishing, and the unlawful castration of hives.
The high number of wildfires in the first two months of this year raises concerns about the risks facing the country, given that historically, March and April have recorded the most incidents of this kind and the most damaged areas, according to data from the authorities.
Precisely, the official statistics released to date do not include the two largest wildfires reported this year, which occurred in March. One of them, of significant size, broke out in Torre Vieja, in the mountains of the municipality of San Juan and Martínez, in the province of Pinar del Río, and swept through 400 hectares of forests, predominantly pine.
The other, also of significant magnitude, originated in the Los Ñames area of Guamuta, in the Cueto municipality of Holguín province, and devastated over 80 hectares of forest.
Between January and May 2024, 326 wildfires occurred in Cuba, which destroyed approximately 3,000 hectares of forests and vegetation. Pinar del Río reported the highest number (90) of incidents at that time.
Frequently asked questions about wildfires in Cuba in 2025
How many hectares have been affected by wildfires in Cuba in the first two months of 2025?
Until March 3, 2025, there have been fires that have affected a total of 813.14 hectares of forests and vegetation in Cuba. These fires have occurred in various provinces across the country, with Pinar del Río being the most affected.
What are the main causes of wildfires in Cuba?
The main causes of forest fires in Cuba include the impact of climate change, natural phenomena such as drought, and, primarily, human negligence. Among these acts of negligence are uncontrolled land burnings, the irresponsibility of smokers, the use of vehicles without spark arresters, and illegal activities such as poaching and illegal fishing.
What measures are being taken to control wildfires in Cuba?
To control wildfires in Cuba, various strategies have been implemented, including the creation of firebreaks, the use of backburning, and the mobilization of forest ranger brigades and forestry workers. Additionally, aerial reconnaissance flights are being conducted to assess the spread of the flames and take preventive measures.
Which provinces have been most affected by wildfires in Cuba in 2025?
In 2025, Pinar del Río has been the most affected province with 479 hectares damaged. Additionally, the Isle of Youth and Cienfuegos have reported significant areas devastated by the fires.
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