The so-called dromedaries could prevent further damage to the area. Prensa Latina

Havana, Feb 23 (RHC) M-18 aircraft belonging to the National Air Services Company joined forces Thursday to fight a major fire in the mountainous area of Pinares de Mayari, in eastern Cuba.

Experts say that with the support of this fleet, known as "dromedaries", the aim is to encircle and stop the fire from moving into the interior of the Mensura Piloto National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas in the Caribbean region and with an important number of species of the country's endemic flora and fauna.

Since last Saturday, teams from the Forest Ranger Corps, firefighters, the Mayari Agroforestry Company, the Revolutionary Armed Forces,s and volunteers have been working tirelessly to control the fire, which has found in the drought and the abundant organic material enough fuel to continue devastating the area.

The forces from Holguin have been joined by others from the province of Santiago de Cuba; a joint effort that, despite the intensity of the fire, has made it possible to protect the orchid garden, the Mountain Research Center, the Villa Pinares de Mayari hotel and nearby communities.

Photo: Granma newspaper

Regarding the environmental impact, Wilder Carmenate, director of the Holguín Research and Environmental Services Center, pointed out that it is still too early to quantify the damages; however, he did say that they are considerable, specifically in the La Sabina trail, which was almost completely burned.

The specialist warned that the recovery of these areas will take years, and announced the possibility of the loss of endemic species, which are in danger of extinction or under threat.

As of Wednesday, preliminary data counted more than 600 hectares of this protected natural area affected (Source: Prensa Latina).