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Pinar del Río leads the national statistics for forest fires in 2025, with 95 incidents recorded between January and May, affecting a total of 8,068 hectares of forest.
According to Radio Guamá, the specialist Rubén Guerra Corrales from the Forest Rangers described the current fire protection campaign as very complex and with damage surpassing that recorded in previous years.
The official broadcaster emphasized that 80% of the forest fires that occurred have a human origin. Among the main causes are poaching, land clearing through burning for agricultural preparation, and the production of charcoal.
The remaining 20% is due to natural phenomena such as lightning strikes, emphasized Radio Guamá.
The environmental impact has been severe: deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution, further exacerbating the ecological situation in the province.
The protection campaign will run until May 31, with preventive measures aimed at preventing wildfires from continuing to impact the pine woods, the cited broadcaster reminded.
According to the official newspaper Granma, more than 7,100 hectares of forests have been consumed by wildfires in Pinar del Río so far in 2025.
However, updated data indicates that the figure has already surpassed 8,000 hectares, confirming an upward trend in the extent of the damage.
The state media described that initial figure as an "alarming record" for a province with extensive experience in the prevention and management of such disasters.
In the last five years, the annual average of affected areas did not exceed 1,512 hectares, making the damages accumulated this year particularly severe.
The environmental impact includes accelerated deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and damage to biological corridors, further exacerbating the ecological deterioration in Cuba's most forested region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildfires in Pinar del Río
What is the current situation of the wildfires in Pinar del Río in 2025?
Pinar del Río tops the national statistics for forest fires in 2025, with 95 incidents recorded between January and May that have affected a total of 8,068 hectares of forest. The situation is critical due to the combination of prolonged drought and strong winds, which have facilitated the rapid spread of the fires.
What are the main causes of forest fires in Pinar del Río?
Eighty percent of wildfires in Pinar del Río in 2025 have human origins, mainly due to poaching, burning for agricultural land preparation, and charcoal production. The remaining 20% is attributed to natural phenomena such as lightning strikes.
What impact have wildfires had on the environment of Pinar del Río?
The environmental impact has been severe: deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution. These ecological effects exacerbate the situation in one of the most forested provinces of Cuba, which is crucial for the country's ecosystem.
What measures are being taken to control the fires in Pinar del Río?
The authorities have deployed specialized brigades and technical resources to respond to the fires. The protection campaign will extend until May 31, with prevention actions to prevent the fires from continuing to affect the forests. However, the measures have not been sufficient to fully control the situation.
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