A large forest fire has consumed more than 2,900 hectares of forests, mostly pine forests, in the Arenales area, municipality of Minas de Matahambre, in Pinar del Río.
The flames, active for several days, have prompted mobilization of the Forest Rangers and the agricultural system, who are intensifying efforts to contain the catastrophe, reported the official spokesperson Osbel Benítez Polo on his Facebook profile.
The authorities, after touring the combat areas and speaking with the brigades, acknowledged the efforts of the more than 500 men involved in the fight against the fire, whom they described as "titans in the face of adversity."
Since Friday, the aerial observation system has been operating at three points of greater intensity, while ground brigades have completed the construction of a large firebreak that will help contain the burned area.
The strategy includes the use of five bulldozers to expedite earth movement and prepare the ground for applying the "contracandela" technique.
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, head of the Forestry Corps in Pinar del Río, explained to Radio Habana Cuba that the actions aim to deliver a "definitive blow" to the fire over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the first secretary of the PCC in the province, Yamile Ramos, insisted on reinforcing the nutrition of the brigadistas and expressed her confidence that "we will emerge from this siege stronger."
Specialists from the provincial agroforestry management estimate that the economic damage amounts to 10-15% of the total affected forest.
Nevertheless, the flames remain a lingering threat, and the success of the efforts to extinguish them still relies on weather conditions and the effectiveness of the planned actions for the coming hours.
Last Thursday, official sources reported that the situation in Pinar del Río was becoming increasingly complicated due to the spread of a wildfire that remained out of control, which at that time had impacted approximately 1,200 hectares of pine forests in the Arenales area, located in the municipality of Minas de Matahambre.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Forest Fire in Pinar del Río
How many hectares have been affected by the fire in Pinar del Río?
The fire has consumed over 2,900 hectares of forests, mostly pine forests, in the Arenales area, Minas de Matahambre municipality, in Pinar del Río.
What strategies are being used to control the fire?
The authorities have implemented the construction of firebreaks and the use of backburning to control the fire. Additionally, five bulldozers are being used to expedite earth movement and prepare the land.
What is the economic impact of the fire in Pinar del Río?
Provincial agroforestry specialists estimate that the economic damage amounts to 10-15% of the total affected forest.
What factors have hindered the extinction of the fire in Pinar del Río?
The firefighting efforts have been complicated by adverse weather conditions such as intense drought and strong winds, which have facilitated the spread of the flames. The drought has exceeded 90 days without rain in the region.
What preventive measures are recommended to avoid future fires in Pinar del Río?
Authorities have urged the population to take extra preventive measures, such as avoiding uncontrolled agricultural burning, throwing lit cigarette butts on rural roads, and poaching in forested areas. It is also recommended to check the use of spark arresters in agricultural or forestry vehicles.
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