The forest fire declared in Hill of Goldin the Armando Bermudez National Park, is facing its final stretch after several days of continuous operation. Environmental authorities confirm that a single active focus and that the lines of control are already practically closed.
With the stabilization of the perimeter, the operation has moved to the liquidation phase, a process that, according to official projections, could culminate between the Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, provided that weather conditions remain favorable.
Status of the operation and forecasts
The technical team of Ministry of the Environment, headed by Geronimo Abreu (National Fire Management Program) and Alex Corona (park manager), reported that the control lines were established and that work is now focused on completely extinguishing the hot spots.
El Vice Minister Carlos Batista (Protected Areas and Biodiversity) confirmed that there are no multiple fronts: the fire is limited to Hill of Gold. An alleged focus on Baito River was ruled out after checking, with infrared satellite images and ground inspection, that the smoke was coming from the main fire.
Reinforcements, deployment and logistical support
To bolster the effort, new forest fire brigades were transferred by airway from the southern part of the country, with the support of the Dominican Republic Air ForceThe staff landed at the designated landing point. big bush and joined trained park rangers and community workers.
The number of troops grew as the response progressed: in an initial phase they operated around 30 participants, and later the contingent exceeded the one hundred forest firefighters to consolidate control and verify that no active embers remained.
Difficult terrain and means employed
The orography determines the strategy. With slopes that exceed 60 degrees and reduced access to narrow paths, the use of heavy machinery is unfeasible. The crews have worked with manual tools, blowers and specific techniques for forest fires.
They were also deployed drones with thermal cameras, essential to detect hot spots covert and ensure the effectiveness of the containment lines on the flanks north, east and northwest.
Regarding the use of helicopters with water, the authorities explained that the altitude of the fire (above 1.200 meters) and the characteristics of the terrain increase the operational risk and reduce the effectiveness of these discharges in a scenario such as that of Hill of Gold.
Recent evolution and effect of rain
During the first days, the Civil defense reported a partial control and warned of the complex terrain and dry environment. With the reinforcement of personnel and active control lines, the situation shifted in favor of the brigades.
The most recent afternoon left a key help: a heavy rain, with episodes of granizo, which accelerated the settlement from the remaining flames as crews continued to work in the area.
Although the front is controlled, forest firefighters maintain patrols and surveillance to prevent regrowth, especially in areas with dry fine material and complex topography.
Environmental impact and probable origin
El Armando Bermudez National Park It is one of the most valuable nature reserves in the country and houses a remarkable biodiversity. For the moment, the authorities have not quantified accurately the affected area.
Initial indications suggest that the fire was caused by the lightning strike during a thunderstorm. In any case, monitoring will continue until the total extinction of the accident and its subsequent environmental assessment.
Commitments and next steps
The Environment has reiterated its commitment with the protection of protected areas and has thanked the coordinated work of firefighters and, park rangers y local communities who have participated in the response.
If the weather is good and there are no adverse changes, the brigades estimate to finish the settlement between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, with sustained monitoring to ensure the fire is contained completely extinct.
Joint action, reinforcement by air, the use of thermal technology and the rain support have made it possible to move from partial control to a firm liquidation operation on a single front in Hill of Gold, inside Armando Bermúdez Park.