Dominican Republic still battles wildfires, 17 suspects face charges(Update)

Santo Domingo.- Environment minister Bautista Rojas on Monday said the recent wildfires across the country are under control, except for those at Los Haitises National Park (east) and Gaspar Hernández (north), and that 17 people will be charged thus far.

He said crews continue to battle the more than blazes 100 in Los Haitises, where more than 60 sites have been extinguished, while rugged terrain has made it difficult to reach the others.

Rojas said 17 people will be charged with setting the blazes, while law enforcement agencies investigate the causes of the fires.

The official said despite that the drought can cause fires, the investigations have determined that are the result of illegal farming. He said they’ve yet to tally the damages

He warned that simple fines for what he calls criminal actions will not be accepted and the harvest any of the crops at the sites will be allows, because he affirms they’re jeopardizing the country’s future.

In addition to Los Haitises and Gaspar Hernandez, wildfires have also affected Constanza, Jarabacoa, Samana, Santiago Rodriguez, Restauracion and San José de Ocoa.

Update

Rojas identified the detainees as Rafael de la Rosa, Ramón de los Santos, a Haitian national known only as Pisotte, Gerineldo Corsino, Raimundo Suriel, Máximo Reyes, Nelson Ramos, Faustino Arredondo, Rafael Bueno Aguilera, José Rigoberto Mendoza, Fila Bueno and Juan de la Cruz and four others still on the loose.