Guantanamo.- Firefighting operations continue against a large wildfire affecting the Yarey, Ojito de Agua, and Farallones sectors of Alejandro de Humboldt National Park.
Since June 27, the blaze has been battled by forest rangers from the provinces of Guantánamo and Holguín, supported by personnel from the Ministry of the Interior, the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and approximately 50 representatives of Civil Defense, local government, and other institutions from the municipality of Yateras.
According to Dr. Jesús Martín Pérez, the Guantánamo delegate of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), the fire has affected approximately 600 hectares, most of which consist of scrubland and undergrowth, along with nearly 100 hectares of forest.
Martín Pérez explained, “the fire has been divided into three separate fronts, all of which are gradually being brought under control through coordinated firefighting operations advancing from the north toward the northeast.”
Authorities estimate that the wildfire could be fully extinguished by the weekend. Firefighters continue to establish firebreaks and remove combustible vegetation to prevent further spread.
The nearby Jaguaní River, located approximately one kilometer from the affected area, is also expected to serve as a natural barrier.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials noted that the area has recently experienced prolonged high temperatures, electrical storms, and recurring incidents of illegal mining, all of which are being considered as part of the investigation
