Environment Ministry trains on prevention of forest fires

SANTO DOMINGO. – The Environment Ministry began the practical course Forest Fire Prevention Operations in its school, where 60 Civil Defense, Red Cross and Fire Department volunteers will become trained firefighters.

It said local and international experts will participate in the 10 day workshop, including Pablo Meléndez, forest biologist of Puerto Rico’s Environment and Natural Resources Department.

“We’re going to deal with the topic of wild fires, the importance of forest firefighters, the risks of these fires, personal security, the tools used and field exercises will be conducted with the participants,” Meléndez said

He said as environmentalist his greatest satisfaction is having saved lives and natural resources, control the spread of the fire and even save the biodiversity threatened by the flames.

The expert added that negligence is in fact behind most forest fires.