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A large-scale wildfire that devastated wooded areas of Pinar del Río has finally been brought under control after nine days of intense firefighting efforts.
According to journalist Alina López Ochoa in a post on Facebook, the fire started on April 18 in the Arenales area, San Carlos People's Council, in the municipality of Minas de Matahambre, and spread to areas of the municipality of San Juan and Martínez.
It is estimated that the flames consumed a total of 3,240 hectares of forest, of which 1,740 belong to San Juan and Martínez and 1,500 to Minas de Matahambre, classifying it as the worst natural disaster of its kind so far this year.
The damaged areas are part of the heritage of the agroforestry companies in Minas de Matahambre and Pinar del Río, in a region considered the second most reforested province in Cuba.
The operation to contain the fire involved members of the Cuban Forest Rangers, workers from local agroforestry companies, and the support of fighters from the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), forestry brigades, and workers from the tobacco industry, the journalist emphasized.
Among the means used were trucks, tankers, satellite phones, as well as aerial explorations by a helicopter from the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces, which contributed with the deployment of 29,976 liters of water in the affected area.
Authorities deployed actions to protect the town of Caliente, located near the fire, and managed to eliminate the dangers to the population, López emphasized.
The Municipal Defense Council of Minas de Matahambre was activated to coordinate control and monitoring efforts.
Although the main fire has been controlled, monitoring efforts continue to detect and eliminate potential new hotspots in the area.
This weekend, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, head of the Forestry Corps in Pinar del Río, stated that there would be a "decisive blow" to the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wildfire in Pinar del Río
How was the forest fire in Pinar del Río brought under control?
The fire was brought under control after nine days of intensive fighting efforts involving the Cuban Forest Rangers, workers from local agroforestry companies, and support from fighters of the Ministry of the Interior, forestry brigades, and workers from the tobacco sector. Trucks, tankers, satellite phones, and a helicopter from the Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces were used, dropping 29,976 liters of water in the affected area.
How many hectares were affected by the fire in Pinar del Río?
The fire devastated a total of 3,240 hectares of forests in the areas of Arenales, San Juan, Martínez, and Minas de Matahambre. This area is part of the heritage of the agroforestry companies in Minas de Matahambre and Pinar del Río.
What was the environmental impact of the fire in Pinar del Río?
The fire significantly impacted the local ecosystem, as Pinar del Río is the second most reforested province in Cuba. The destruction of 3,240 hectares of forest threatens local biodiversity and the protection of water resources. Additionally, the economic impact is estimated at damage of 10-15% of the total affected forest.
What factors contributed to the spread of the fire in Pinar del Río?
Adverse climate factors such as intense drought and winds of up to 40 km/h contributed to the spread of the flames. The absence of prolonged rainfall, exceeding 90 days, and the strong gusts of wind made it difficult to control the fire in the forested areas of the region.
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