Photo: Cubadebate.

Havana, Feb 25 (RHC) According to preliminary data, some 1,200 hectares of forests were destroyed by a fire that continues to rage Saturday in Pinares de Mayari, Holguin.

The fire, which started last Saturday as a result of the severe drought that has been affecting the country for months, covers a wooded area of valuable species, essentially pine trees, with serious damage to an important part of the native flora and fauna.

According to a report by Noticiero Nacional de Televisión, this Saturday the situation became more complex, as the strong winds have not favored the actions of the forces fighting the flames.

About a thousand people are involved in the confrontation of the fire, among them combined groups of the forest ranger corps, the armed forces, forestry workers from the provinces of Holguin and Santiago de Cuba, and neighbors of the area.

Authorities of the Civil Defense informed that although the aviation has been dropping water on the burned areas for two days, the strong wind makes the maneuver much more complex, but the necessary means are being increased to try to control the fire.

In statements to the press, Ernesto Santiesteban, first secretary of the Communist Party in Holguín said the conditions are adverse because it is a mountainous area of difficult access, but all measures are taken, for which the work of the forest rangers, with experience in this type of events, is very valuable. (Source: Prensa Latina)