He Forest fire of medium proportions unleashed last Friday in the province of Pinar del Río could be contained this Sunday, although there were still small active sources, according to the Ranger Corps (CGB).
The incident that affected between 90 and 100 hectares of forests originated in the area known as Pinalillo, Consolación del Sur municipality, and members of the CGB, agricultural workers and other specialized forces have worked to fight the flames, according to the agency efe.
Forest species such as eucalyptus and Caribaea pine predominate in the area, to which is added the accumulated undergrowth after the passage of Hurricane Ian last September and the intense prevailing drought, explained the head of the CGB in Pinar del Río, Alexander Pereda to Latin Press.
The expert said that the extinction actions have been made difficult due to the force of the winds and the deterioration of the road network.
In Pinar del Río, 46 forest fires have been registered since January. By the end of 2022, 115 had been counted that consumed more than 1,000 hectares of forests.
According to CGC statistics, between 2011 and 2019, Pinar del Río, the province with the largest forest area in the country, has been the hardest hit by this type of accident.
Mayari pine forests
The new forest fire occurred when firefighters, the military and other forces continue to battle the flames that broke out eight days ago in a mountainous area east of the Holguin province.
The fire in Pinares de Mayarí has devoured more than 1,700 hectares of vegetation, without being able to put it out.
The flames have reached the Mensura Piloto National Park, which occupies an area of more than 8,480 hectares and is considered one of the richest in flora and fauna species, many of them native, and specialists hope that once the fire is out can assess its impact.
“The forces fighting the incident create ambushes with fire-break trails and wet spaces to try to block the way for the flames. The ecological station is a benchmark for its diversity and natural wealth,” journalist Emilio Rodríguez wrote on Facebook.
The critical period for forest fires on the island runs from January 1 to May 31, coinciding with the driest season.
Efe/OnCuba.
