The threat of wildfires looms over the forests of Pinar del Río as the start of 2026 approaches. Experts are predicting a highly active season, with estimates suggesting between 85 and 112 forest fires could occur in the province from January to May, the period with the highest risk for such blazes.
This week, the Cuban Forest Rangers (CGB) issued a warning that approximately 4,000 hectares could be at risk due to the abundant dry materials in the woods, scarce rainfall, and the poor condition of forest roads.
Rubén Guerra Corrales, head of Fire Management at the CGB, informed the official newspaper Granma that around 100 fires were recorded this year in the western province, with 13 of them being of large or very large scale.
The severity of the situation is highlighted by the fact that these major fires were responsible for roughly 80% of the more than 9,000 hectares damaged in the area, according to Guerra Corrales.
The CGB has consistently pointed out that human activity is a primary cause of these incidents, urging agricultural entities and other state organizations connected to the forests to address indiscipline and negligence, as reported by Granma.
Granma did not specify what actions will be taken to improve the poor condition of forest roads, which is a contributing factor to these fires.
Guerra Corrales noted that areas with an awareness of the necessity to protect forest lands see fewer fires. For instance, in Viñales, a predominantly mountainous region, only one fire occurred during 2025. In contrast, fires have been more frequent in places like San Juan y Martínez, Mantua, and Minas de Matahambre in recent years.
Despite having a surveillance system capable of detecting heat spots via satellites and watchtowers scattered across the mountains, Pinar del Río remains the province with the highest number of fires in the country.
From January to May of the previous year, the province led the national statistics with 97 fires, impacting about 9,456 hectares of forest, according to the Cuban Forest Rangers' report.
During the first five months of 2025, 290 forest fires were recorded across Cuba. Authorities attributed these incidents to drought, the buildup of combustible materials, the effects of other weather phenomena and climate change, as well as poor fire management practices.
Understanding the Wildfire Risks in Pinar del Río
What factors are contributing to the increased wildfire risk in Pinar del Río?
The increased risk of wildfires in Pinar del Río is mainly due to the accumulation of dry combustible materials, insufficient rainfall, and the poor condition of forest roads.
How does human activity contribute to forest fires in Pinar del Río?
Human activity, including negligence and indiscipline in fire management, is a major cause of forest fires in the province. The Cuban Forest Rangers are urging people and organizations to take responsibility to reduce these incidents.
What surveillance measures are in place to detect fires in Pinar del Río?
Pinar del Río uses a surveillance system that includes satellite heat detection and observation towers throughout the mountainous regions to monitor and respond to potential fire outbreaks.