Verón -Punta Cana.- Since the night of Saturday, March 22, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) activated its Contingency Plan to combat a forest fire in the Hoyo Claro Nature Reserve, Verón-Punta Cana. Coordinating with the Ministry of Environment and other agencies, efforts were launched early Sunday morning to control the blaze.
Firefighting operations began at 6:00 a.m. with a Command Post managing the response. The Dominican Army’s Humanitarian Rescue Unit provided logistical support, while the Air Force deployed a helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket for aerial water drops. Additionally, the 911 Drone Unit supplied real-time fire location data. Forest firefighters led the suppression efforts, aided by emergency personnel and logistical support from Cap Cana.
A total of 130 responders participated, successfully containing and extinguishing the fire by 2:00 p.m. Authorities continue to monitor the area to prevent re-ignition and assess environmental damage.
