Andy Luis Valle Rodriguez, second chief of the Forest Ranger Corps (CGB, in Spanish) in that territory, reported to local media that the flames started on Monday evening and had not been controlled due to the difficult access to the affected area.

The fire has affected at least 150 hectares of pine trees in the area known as El Campamento, 15 kilometers from the head of the municipality of Minas de Matahambre, and according to authorities it has spread rapidly, favored by intense drought, the existing combustible material and the force of the winds.

The CGB second chief explained that the affected area consisted of pine forests about 25 years old.

Granma newspaper reported that Major General Ramon Pardo Guerra, chief of the National Civil Defense General Staff, who was touring the province, arrived at a point near the fire to learn about the actions being taken to control it.

There, he verified the availability of the means and specialized forces, and highlighted the organization and speed with which they are working in the field.

About 100 CGB and agricultural personnel in Pinar del Rio are fighting the fire, supported by a bulldozer and other pieces of equipment and aerial means.

jg/arm/jcm/rc