A massive wildfire has been wreaking havoc since Tuesday in the forested areas of Torre Vieja, located in San Simón de las Cuchillas, within the San Juan y Martínez municipality in Pinar del Río. As of now, approximately 300 hectares of forest have been scorched, with flames continuing their relentless advance, according to Tele Pinar. The blaze, which ignited around 3:10 PM on March 18, is spreading across multiple fronts, moving north toward Arroyo del Infierno and south toward Bolondrón, near the border with Guane.
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Pereda Burón, the Provincial Chief of the Forest Rangers Corps, stated that four brigades from the municipalities of San Juan y Martínez, Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río, and Guane are actively engaged in firefighting efforts, collaborating with personnel from Forest Enterprises. Additionally, reinforcement brigades have been dispatched from Sandino and Viñales to bolster efforts in the affected region.
Challenges in Combating the Blaze
The official highlighted the difficulties in controlling the fire due to the challenging terrain, which features barely accessible paths that hinder the movement of firefighting equipment. The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) shared on Facebook that the fire has ravaged pine forests, fueled by strong winds gusting between 45 and 50 km/h, the difficult terrain, and a severe drought that has left the area without rain for over 30 days.
Despite the fire's severity, MININT reassured that it does not pose an immediate threat to residents. As a precaution, temporary working groups from the San Juan y Martínez Municipal Defense Council have been activated to coordinate response actions.
Measures to Combat the Fire
According to the Granma newspaper, several measures were planned for Wednesday morning to combat the fire, including an aerial reconnaissance flight to assess its spread and identify areas where backfire techniques could be used to halt its progress. Additionally, a bulldozer is expected to be deployed to create a firebreak at the fire's leading edge, a strategy to be finalized after the aerial assessment.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine its origin as firefighting efforts continue. A week ago, another fire occurred in the early hours at the intersection of Rafael Ferro Avenue and Máximo Gómez Street in the city of Pinar del Río. Reports from Tele Pinar and journalist Evelyn Corbillón Díaz of the Cuban News Agency (ACN) indicate that the blaze started around 1:00 AM and was extinguished by 3:45 AM, thanks to the swift response of the Fire Department, supported by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and the Water Supply Department.
Lieutenant Colonel Raúl Iván Enrique Bello, head of the provincial Fire Department, explained that the fire originated at the UEB Forestal and quickly spread to nearby homes due to intense flames and multiple paths for propagation. Damages included partial interruptions in telecommunications, affecting seven copper multipair cable shields, and a damaged wooden pole.
Key Details About the Pinar del Río Wildfire
What areas are affected by the wildfire in Pinar del Río?
The wildfire is affecting the forested regions of Torre Vieja in San Simón de las Cuchillas, within the San Juan y Martínez municipality, impacting around 300 hectares so far.
What challenges are being faced in controlling the fire?
The control efforts are hindered by the rugged terrain, strong wind gusts, and a prolonged drought, which have made it difficult for firefighting teams to access certain areas.
What measures are being taken to combat the wildfire?
Measures include deploying additional firefighting brigades, conducting aerial reconnaissance, and planning the construction of firebreaks using bulldozers to control the fire's spread.