A large-scale forest fire has devastated more than 80 hectares of woods in the mountainous area of Ojo de Agua, in the Niceto Pérez municipality, Guantánamo, according to official sources.
The fire broke out a few days ago in the La Culebra area, in Ojo de Agua, a wooded site with rough terrain and difficult access, bordering the province of Santiago de Cuba, reported the official portal Cubadebate.
The fire spread rapidly due to the ongoing drought affecting the region, which is classified as being of "high proportion", but "does not pose any danger to the population", stated the report. It has been over 35 years since a forest fire was recorded in the area.
Forces comprised of personnel from the Forest Rangers, the Forestry Company, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior, the Red Cross, and volunteers are working to control and extinguish the large-scale fire, reported journalist Rodny Alcolea Olivares, who had reported the incident on his Facebook account.
The head of the protection group of the Forest Rangers, Rafael Wilson Castellanos, explained that "the current weather conditions of high temperatures and low relative humidity, along with the topographical characteristics of the area, complicate the creation of firebreaks and other tasks that involve more than 100 personnel and resources for controlling the fire."
According to the information, the rain recorded on Wednesday afternoon and evening helped extinguish the flames in a large part of the area, while efforts to contain the fire continue.
Out-of-control fire
On Tuesday, the Guantánamo Forest Rangers reported on the spread of an uncontrolled wildfire that began on July 22 in La Culebra, in the Casimba popular council.
According to the report from the station CMKS Radio Guantánamo, the fire was advancing towards towns on the border with Santiago de Cuba, and the authorities classified it as “dangerous, of high magnitude,” in an area that is difficult to access.
By that date, according to preliminary calculations, the flames had damaged about 70 hectares of highly flammable natural forest. However, authorities estimated that the disaster could wreak havoc over a larger area due to adverse weather conditions and the characteristics of the terrain.
The provincial broadcaster noted that the firebreak method was being implemented because the fire was out of control and there was a water shortage in the area. Therefore, support had been requested from the Eastern Army, which would send a helicopter capable of transporting large amounts of water.
Official reports released last May warned that Cuba is facing one of the worst forest fire crises in 2025 in recent decades.
Pinar del Río leads the national statistics for forest fires this year. In the first five months, 95 incidents were recorded in that province, devastating 8,068 hectares of forest, a figure that surpassed the total areas damaged between 2021 and 2024.
Authorities claim that the majority of wildfires are caused by human activity, including poaching, land clearing for agriculture, and charcoal production.
The environmental impact of these events is severe: deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildfires in Cuba
What is the magnitude of the forest fire in Guantánamo?
The wildfire in Guantánamo has devastated over 80 hectares of forest in the mountainous area of Ojo de Agua, in the Niceto Pérez municipality. This is one of the largest fires in the region in over 35 years.
What factors have contributed to the spread of the fire in Guantánamo?
The persistent drought and the weather conditions of high temperatures and low relative humidity have significantly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire in Guantánamo. Furthermore, the rugged and hard-to-access terrain has complicated the firefighting efforts.
What measures are being taken to control the fire in Guantánamo?
More than 100 personnel from various organizations, such as the Forestry Corps and the Armed Forces, are working to control the fire. Methods such as firebreaks are being utilized and assistance has been requested from the Eastern Army, which has sent a helicopter to aid in the extinguishing efforts.
What is the ecological impact of wildfires in Cuba in 2025?
Wildfires in Cuba in 2025 have caused a severe environmental impact, including deforestation, soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution. In Pinar del Río, more than 8,000 hectares of forest have been affected so far this year.
Filed under: