Judith Pena | April 6, 2023
After more than 24 hours of work, the authorities managed to control the plant mass fire (IMAVE) registered since yesterday, Wednesday, in the La Yeguada Forest Reserve in the province of Veraguas.
The arduous work of extinction was carried out by personnel of the Joint Task Force: National Aeronaval Service, Fire Department, Park Rangers, Brigade members and Volunteers, using techniques such as fire-stop rounds and backpack bombs with water.
Efraín Gutiérrez, chief of operations of the Veraguas Regional Zone Fire Department, explained that the fire was controlled; however, inspections will continue in the area in order to prevent the fire from restarting. A crew of 30 people who will remain vigilant will spend the night in the place.
This fire was recorded in the northern area of the reserve, characterized by strong winds that also played against it during the extinction work.
The head of MiAmbiente in Veraguas, Julieta Fernández, said that every summer they hold awareness days on the prevention of IMAVE and the risks of rose and burning for both fauna, flora and human health to avoid this type of fire. .
“The FTC has been asked for help to be able to control as much as possible and prevent the fire from spreading to the nearest communities,” he said.
In relation to Easter, he clarified that there will be no problems, since the area of the lake, which is where the “camping” takes place, has not been affected by what will be open to receive visitors.