Forest fire threatens Central Mountain range ecosystems

Santiago.- Communities in the Central Mountain Range are facing severe forest fires near the Yaque del Norte River sub-basins, compounding ongoing drought problems. For six days, a wildfire has been affecting the mountainous areas of Jánico in Santiago province, with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources struggling to contain it.

The fire is concentrated below the Guayabales community, accessible via the Jánico-Juncalito highway, and has spread through the Cejitas and El Ranchito cemeteries, reaching critical zones near the Jagua River (coordinates: 19°15’57.3″N 70°49’51.8″W). Local residents report that initial crews lacked the proper skills and equipment, allowing the blaze to continue spreading, threatening forests, water sources, and biodiversity.

Environmental organizations, including the Socio-Environmental Coalition in Defense of the Sierra and the Tropical Ecological Foundation (FUNDETROP), warned that delays in intervention could result in irreversible damage to ecosystems vital for the region’s rivers and dams.

The organizations urged the immediate deployment of trained brigades and air and ground resources to extinguish the fire. Last week, the Ministry successfully coordinated efforts to put out a forest fire in the Loma del Oro area, north of Armando Bermúdez National Park, showing that rapid, coordinated responses can prevent major ecological loss.