A massive wildfire has been raging since the night of April 18 in the wooded area of La Vigía, located in San Juan y Martínez municipality, Pinar del Río province. The fire has already consumed over 300 hectares of pine forest. Local news outlet Tele Pinar reported that this blaze is the most challenging of the year due to several complicating factors: fierce winds ranging from 35 to 45 kilometers per hour, inaccessible terrain, and a prolonged drought that has left the region without rain for over 90 days.
Efforts to control the fire involve combined forces from the Forest Rangers Corps and the Integral Agroforestry Company of Pinar del Río. A total of 28 personnel are engaged, utilizing technical resources such as bulldozers, trucks, a tanker, a pickup truck, and a motorcycle. Temporary groups from the Municipal Defense Council have also been mobilized to coordinate urgent field actions.
This Sunday, authorities were assessing conditions to implement strategies like setting backfires and constructing firebreaks using heavy machinery. This fire is one of 201 reported in Cuba since the beginning of 2025 and is among the 12 that remain active, with nine occurring in Pinar del Río. This province has suffered significant environmental damage from similar events in recent years.
Authorities are investigating the fire's origins and have reiterated calls for the public to enhance prevention measures, particularly given the persistent adverse weather conditions. According to the Cuban News Agency, the fire has been officially labeled "very large" by the National Headquarters of the Forest Rangers Corps and began at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 18.
The report confirmed that, in addition to forest brigades and technical means, two bulldozers were used to build firebreaks on both fronts, and areas were identified for the application of the backfire technique. On Sunday, Pinar del Río officials acknowledged that several forest fires remained active in the area, with over 160 hectares consumed in just a week.
The pro-government outlet Tele Pinar noted that fires are still being battled in the municipalities of Mantua and San Juan y Martínez. Only a few days ago, the state-run broadcaster Radio Guamá reported on Facebook that Pinar del Río province had recorded 43 forest fires so far this year, impacting over 500 hectares, mostly pine forests. These figures surpass those of the same period in 2024 and occur during the critical season running from January to May, as reported by the digital portal.
Key Questions About Pinar del Río Wildfire
What are the main challenges in controlling the Pinar del Río fire?
The primary challenges include strong winds, difficult terrain, and a prolonged drought that has left the area dry for over 90 days.
How many fires have been reported in Cuba this year?
Since the beginning of 2025, there have been 201 reported fires across Cuba, with 12 still active, including nine in Pinar del Río.
What methods are being used to combat the fire?
Efforts include using bulldozers to create firebreaks, setting backfires, and coordinating actions with the Municipal Defense Council.