Actions continue to control wildfires in eastern Cuba

Holguin, Cuba, Feb 20 (RHC) Forces from several organizations and volunteers continue to control a wildfire, which was described as very dangerous, in the mountainous area of Pinares de Mayaií, in eastern Cuba, on Monday.

Major Elio Ramirez, from the Civil Defense in the municipality of Mayari, Holguin, explained to Prensa Latina that more than 150 soldiers are working directly to encircle and contain the wildfire, with the help of specialized machinery and equipment.

He reported that helicopters from the Revolutionary Armed Forces have repeatedly flown over the area and poured water on the flames; however, the characteristics of the area and the strong winds can make air raids more complex.

Ramirez explained that the abundant organic plant material, the predominance of Cubensis pine, and the effects of drought favor the intensity of the fire, which is already less than a kilometer from the Mountain Research Center.

To protect the inhabitants in the nearby communities, the scientific and tourism facilities, as well as control the progress of the wildfires, trails have been built in specific places, which will stop the fire expansion in the Mensura-Piloto National Park. (Source: Prensa Latina).