Forest fire in the Sierra de Bahoruco brought under control: Brigades begin liquidation phase
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources confirmed that the forest fire affecting the Pelempito-Aceitillar area, in the Sierra de Bahoruco, is currently under control. After intense days of work, forest firefighters have advanced to the final liquidation stage of the incident.
Response teams successfully completed the defense lines and strategic backfires, which were fundamental maneuvers to halt the advance of the flames. Currently, the authorities’ focus is on eliminating hot spots and maintaining constant surveillance of the intervened perimeters to prevent any risk of reactivation.
Weather conditions and brigade tasks
Gerónimo Abreu, head of the National Fire Management Program, detailed that the weather conditions recorded during the night of last Friday, including light rainfall, forced a temporary adjustment of operational tactics. Despite these challenges, personnel on the ground maintained the pace of work until all control lines were secured.
The brigades will remain deployed in the area until it is guaranteed that there is no risk of reactivation, completing the exhaustive surveillance of the affected area.
Current status of the affected area
- Western sector: Completely liquidated.
- Northern sector (Hoyo de Pelempito): Points with smoke presence are observed due to the combustion of plant material in the mixed forest, which are being addressed.
- Southern and southeastern sector: Specialized teams are carrying out surveillance and reinforcement work on natural barriers to consolidate the control achieved.
In light of this situation, environmental authorities reiterated an urgent call to the public to avoid carrying out burns, campfires, or any practice that involves the irresponsible use of fire in forested areas, especially considering the current conditions that facilitate the spread of forest fires in the national territory.
