He Forest fire of great proportions that plagues the area of Pinares de Mayarí, Holguín, has already affected more than 900 hectares, according to preliminary data offered from the place.
Until Thursday, more than 900 hectares were affected by the flames, according to reports by journalist Emilio Rodríguez. “Dispersion, main obstacle to control the fire,” he wrote from his Facebook profile.
Several M18 and AN 2 planes had joined this Thursday the effort of the firefighters, members of the ranger corps, neighbors and also the armed forces (FAR), to control the fire that originated last weekend.
The flames reached the Mensura Piloto National Park, which occupies an area of more than 8,480 hectares and is considered one of the areas with the greatest biodiversity in the country, where endemic flora and fauna abound.
The director of the Holguín Environmental Research Center, Wilder Carmenate, estimates that this intense incident will leave considerable damage to the ecology, according to the agency. Latin Press (PL).
The expert referred to the impact on the La Sabina trail, where a local pine species of the same name lives, cataloged as having “great biological value.”
A few weeks ago, another forest fire broke out, causing severe damage to more than 1,000 hectares (ha) of forests in the Mayarí municipality, also in a mountainous area of Holguín.
Cuba recorded more than 80 forest fires in January this year, a high number for that month, according to reports from the island’s Ranger Corps.
Fire in Pinares de Mayarí already threatens areas of economic importance
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.
The critical period for forest fires on the island runs from January 1 to May 31, coinciding with the driest season.
Efe/OnCuba.
