A substantial forest fire has been identified in the El Churrasco area of Viñales, reigniting concerns in the Pinar del Río province. As reported by Radio Guamá on their Facebook page, the blaze, which has already affected over 100 hectares of pine forests, erupted just hours after authorities managed to control the largest forest fire reported this year in Cuba, also in Pinar del Río.
The Viñales Forest Ranger Corps, in collaboration with forestry workers, is currently battling the flames to try and halt their spread. Historically, the month of April sees the highest number of forest fires in the country, a phenomenon attributed to soaring temperatures and severe drought, according to the official news portal. Projections for this year estimated between 88 and 105 fires in the province, as stated by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, head of the Pinar del Río Forest Ranger Corps. To date, around 67 fires have already been recorded.
The situation is worsening as the damage has exceeded the initial forecast of 1,500 hectares affected. The previous major fire, which was brought under control this past Sunday, ravaged over 3,000 hectares of forests. This fire started on April 18 in the Arenales area of the San Carlos Popular Council in the Minas de Matahambre municipality and spread to the San Juan y Martínez municipality.
So far, no human casualties have been reported, but the ecological and economic impacts are still being assessed. Recently, the Pinar del Río Botanical Garden also faced threats from a series of fires that harmed its biodiversity and environmental efforts. In March, the regime was also compelled to tackle other forest fires in the eastern region. Nearly a hundred firefighters and rangers had to confront a blaze in Holguín, while in Guantánamo, in the Baracoa municipality, flames consumed 1.5 hectares in the Cayo Güin area, a region with extensive forested land.
Key Concerns About Forest Fires in Pinar del Río
What is the main cause of forest fires in Cuba during April?
The primary cause of forest fires in Cuba during April is attributed to high temperatures and severe drought conditions.
How many hectares have been affected by the recent fires in Pinar del Río?
The recent fires in Pinar del Río have affected over 100 hectares of pine forests, with previous fires devastating more than 3,000 hectares.
What efforts are being made to combat the fires in Viñales?
The Viñales Forest Ranger Corps, in collaboration with forestry workers, is actively working to contain the flames and prevent further spread.