Approximately 545 hectares (ha) of forest in Pinar del Río have been ravaged by flames in recent days, following the outbreak of two significant wildfires in the municipality of San Juan y Martínez.
This Saturday afternoon, forces from the Forest Rangers Corps (CGB) and forestry companies managed to extinguish the largest blaze, which had started last Monday in the Galafre Nuevo foothills, in an area known as Máquina Vieja. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, head of the CGB in Pinar del Río, told the Cuban News Agency (ACN) that the fire in that area caused severe damage to around 390 ha of young pines, acacias, and eucalyptus, among other species, before it was fully controlled.
The first of the fires, which occurred in Agua Dulce in San Simón de las Cuchillas, was put out several days ago and damaged about 156 ha of Pinus caribaea (commonly known as Caribbean pine or pino macho).
In less than six months, nearly 80 wildfires have occurred in Pinar del Río, devastating more than a thousand hectares of forest. According to the official agency, around 95 percent of these incidents were caused by negligent human actions. Authorities cite the main causes as vehicles without spark arrestors and intentional burning for various purposes, holding poachers and passersby accountable.
In April, the forest rangers extinguished a ferocious fire in the mountainous areas of Viñales, where the flames consumed 350 hectares of forest. This was the first significant wildfire recorded this year in Pinar del Río.
From January to date, other large-scale wildfires have been reported in several Cuban provinces.
Impact of Forest Fires in Pinar del Río
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the recent wildfires in Pinar del Río and their impact.
What caused the wildfires in Pinar del Río?
Around 95 percent of the wildfires were caused by negligent human actions, including vehicles without spark arrestors and intentional burning by poachers and passersby.
How much forest area was affected by the recent wildfires?
The recent wildfires in Pinar del Río affected approximately 545 hectares of forest.
Which areas in Pinar del Río were most impacted?
The most impacted areas were the Galafre Nuevo foothills, Máquina Vieja, and Agua Dulce in San Simón de las Cuchillas.