The large forest fire that was active for two weeks in a mountainous area of Mayari is under control, reported this Thursday authorities of the province of Holguin.
The Civil Defense (DC) specialist, Elio Ramírez, affirmed that the fire was under control, but strict observation was maintained in the area by the Forest Ranger Corps and the Mayarí Integral Forestry Company, reported the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
The incident, detected on January 26, has caused severe damage to just over 1,000 hectares of forest in the El Prado mountainous area, located more than 700 meters above sea level.
Joint forces of the Ranger Corps, the Air Force and other state agencies are still fighting some sources of fire, located within 40 kilometers of trails made by specialized brigades of the Engineering Works Construction Companies, the DC expert specified.
According to the Mayarí Citizen’s Portal, the impact of the intense drought of the last five months and the abundance of organic plant material favored the spread of the llamas.
Evaluations by specialists from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) have indicated that the fire has negatively affected the flora and fauna of the place, one of the largest coniferous reserves in the country.
Cuba reported 284 forest fires in 2022 that affected more than 1,800 hectares of forests, the best record in the last 3 years, and 90% of them were caused, according to the Ranger Corps.
The majority took place in the western 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.
The origin of a good part of these accidents is attributed to negligence such as the unauthorized burning of herbs or sugar cane, vehicles without spark arrestor nets and the activity of poachers and fishermen.
Large active forest fire damages coniferous reserve in eastern Cuba
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.
For this year, according to official estimates and by frequency indices, 320 to 445 forest fires are expected, which could damage 4,300 to 6,000 hectares in the period from January to next May.
Efe/OnCuba.
