(EFE).- Cuba reported 284 forest fires in 2022 that affected more than 1,800 hectares of forests, the best record in the last three years, and 90% of them were caused, its Ranger Corps (CGB) reported this Wednesday.
The head of the CGB, Manuel Lamas Gómez, quoted by the state Cuban News Agency (ACN), assured that small fires (83%) predominated, although some large ones also occurred in Pinar del Río and Mayabeque.
Most of the forest fires of 2022 took place in Pinar del Río, which has a forested area of 48.07% and is listed as the second most reforested area in Cuba, preceded by the eastern Guantánamo.
Due to natural causes, only 2% or 3% of forest fires were recorded in the period, mainly derived from the impact of electrical discharges, the increase in temperatures and the climate crisis.
The origin of a good part of these disasters is attributed to the unauthorized burning of herbs or sugar cane, the use of vehicles without spark arrestor mesh and also the activity of poachers.
Due to natural causes, only 2% or 3% of forest fires were recorded in the period, mainly derived from the impact of electrical discharges, the increase in temperatures and the climate crisis, among others, indicated the person in charge of the Cuban forest rangers.
He also pointed out that the months of March and April are the most dangerous and usually accumulate 70% to 75% of the claims registered throughout the year.
In Cuba, the critical period for forest fires is from January 1 to May 31, coinciding with the driest season. This represents a threat to the country’s biodiversity, with more than 4 million hectares of forests.
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