A significant fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the sugarcane fields near the Honduras mill in Manuel Tames, Guantánamo. Firefighters, along with workers from the Victoria de Girón Agricultural Production Cooperative (CPA), have been tirelessly battling the blaze throughout the afternoon and night.
The "Portal Del Ciudadano Manuel Tames" Facebook page reported that the fire was caused by "social indiscipline," as individuals decided to burn already harvested areas. Allegedly, they did not consider the strong gusts of wind, which quickly spread the flames.
The incident led to the closure of vehicle traffic in the area until the fire was completely extinguished. Additionally, a utility pole supporting 33,000 Volt power lines was damaged, prompting the disconnection of that line from Jamaica (the municipal capital of Manuel Tames) to the Yateras municipality for assessment and subsequent replacement.
As of the time of writing, no new official updates have been released regarding the firefighting efforts.
Common Causes and Consequences of Fires in Guantánamo
What typically causes fires in sugarcane fields in Guantánamo?
Fires in sugarcane fields are often caused by improper burning practices, negligence, or "social indiscipline," as individuals may not account for environmental conditions like wind.
What are the consequences of these fires?
Consequences include damage to infrastructure, such as power lines, disruption of local traffic, and potential harm to the environment and local communities.