Wildfire in Pinar del Río Devastates 1,700 Hectares, Remains Uncontrolled
A massive wildfire that began on April 10 in the La Lanza area of Minas de Matahambre, Pinar del Río, Cuba, has destroyed 1,700 hectares of forest and remains out of control. The Cuban News Agency reports that the fire has been active for nine days, spreading through the mountain range without currently threatening nearby populated areas. Efforts to control the blaze have been hampered by unfavorable weather conditions and equipment failures. Over 200 forest rangers and workers from the mining company, supported by two bulldozers, are engaged in firefighting efforts. Additional fires in the region, including one in La Gúira affecting 93 hectares, are also being battled. The province has a history of significant fires, with the Arenales fire in 2025 having devastated over 3,240 hectares.