Santa Cruz faces a season of forest fires that, although compared to 2024 reflects less affectation, keeps authorities and communities alert. Paulo Viruez, director of Natural Resources (DIRENA) of the Government, reported in the program What a week, of El duty Radio, that There are currently 22 active fires in different municipalities in the departmentincluding San Ignacio de Velasco, Concepción, Ascension of Guarayos, San Matías and Portachuelo.
Viruez explained that the difference with the data of the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense is due to the methodology: while the national authority only reports fires with living fire, the Government keeps those in monitoring and liquidation period as assets, which can be reactivated if they are not controlled properly. Only on the last day seven new fire spotlights were reported, Many caused by burning of dumps, human carelessness or cigarette butts on roads.
The most critical case is the Noel Kempff National Park, where fire persists for almost two months due to complex topography and the need for air support. TOL At 25 firefighters work, supported by voluntary brigades, rangers and infantry regimentscombining land and air discharge work.
In total, at the departmental level, between 500 and 600 firefighters participate in the containment of fires, mostly voluntary trained by the Government and Non -Governmental Organizations.
To date, it is estimated that 127,267 hectares have been affected by the flamesbeing the Platea of the National Park Noel Kempff the most damaged area, with 84,863 hectares. The environmental conditions, high temperatures that exceed 35-39 ° C and the accumulation of biomass, facilitate the rapid propagation of fire.
Viruez insisted on the importance of citizen prevention and commitment: “The vast majority of fires do not arise spontaneously; They are caused by human activity. We need exemplary penalties for those who burn illegally, “he said, and asked for collaboration in basic supplies such as water, non -perishable food, clothing, medicines and personal hygiene elements for communal firefighters and brigades.
The Government activated the red alert and the departmental emergency, coordinating efforts with the Departmental Emergency Operations Committee (COED), while the monitoring of the affected areas continues. “The commitment of the Government, of Direna and of our firefighters is to guarantee the protection of our natural resources and the biodiversity of the department“Viruez concluded.
