A new large-scale wildfire has been located in the El Churrasco area of the Viñales municipality, raising alarms once again in the province of Pinar del Río.
According to a report by Radio Guamá on their Facebook profile, the fire, which has already affected over 100 hectares of pine forests, occurs just hours after authorities managed to control the largest forest fire reported this year in Cuba, also located in Pinar del Río.
The forces of the Viñales National Park Ranger Corps, in coordination with forestry workers, are currently battling the flames in an effort to stop their spread.
Historically, the month of April records the highest number of wildfires in the country, a phenomenon attributed to high temperatures and intense drought, the official news outlet noted.
According to estimates made for this year, a range of between 88 and 105 fires was expected in the province, as stated by the head of the Pinar del Río Forestry Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón. To date, nearly 67 incidents have already been recorded.
The situation is worsening as the damages have exceeded the initial forecast of 1,500 damaged hectares.
The previous major fire, which was brought under control this Sunday, devastated over 3,000 hectares of forests.
That fire started on April 18 in the Arenales area, in the San Carlos Popular Council of the municipality of Minas de Matahambre, and spread to the municipality of San Juan y Martínez.
So far, authorities have not reported any human casualties, but the ecological and economic impact is still being assessed.
Recently, the Botanic Garden of Pinar del Río also found itself threatened by a series of fires that harmed its biodiversity and the environmental work being carried out there.
In March, the regime was also compelled to combat other wildfires in the eastern region. Nearly a hundred firefighters and forest rangers had to confront a blaze in Holguín, while in Guantánamo, in the municipality of Baracoa, the flames consumed 1.5 hectares in an area of Cayo Güin, a region characterized by its extensive woodland.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildfires in Pinar del Río, Cuba
What is the current situation of the wildfires in Viñales, Pinar del Río?
Currently, a new wildfire has affected more than 100 hectares of pine trees in the El Churrasco area of Viñales. This disaster adds to the multiple fires that have already devastated thousands of hectares in Pinar del Río this year.
What factors are contributing to the spread of wildfires in Pinar del Río?
Fires have been exacerbated due to the intense drought and strong winds affecting the region, as well as irresponsible human practices such as uncontrolled agricultural burning and discarding lit cigarettes.
How many forest fires have been recorded in Pinar del Río in 2025?
To date, approximately 67 wildfires have been reported in the province of Pinar del Río, surpassing the figures for the same period in previous years.
What measures are the authorities taking to control the fires in Pinar del Río?
Authorities have deployed brigades from the Forest Rangers and forestry workers to contain the flames, using techniques such as creating firebreaks and employing backburning. Additionally, aerial reconnaissance flights and heavy machinery have been utilized to construct firebreak trails.
What has been the environmental and economic impact of the fires in Pinar del Río?
The fires have devastated over 3,000 hectares of forests, severely impacting local biodiversity and causing significant economic losses, estimated at 10-15% of the total affected forest.
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