The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources reported continued progress in containing the wildfire affecting the El Codo sector of Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, with approximately 70% of the fire’s perimeter now under control. Officials said the blaze has been reduced to a single active front, allowing firefighting teams to concentrate resources on the remaining hotspot.
Despite the progress, operations remain complicated by unfavorable weather conditions. Fire crews are working under wind gusts approaching 40 kilometers per hour, sustained winds of about 20 kilometers per hour, and relative humidity near 35%, factors that can accelerate fire behavior and increase the risk of flare-ups.
Fire Crews Focus on Remaining Active Front
Personnel from the National Fire Management Program continue implementing the established response strategy by concentrating suppression efforts on the active section of the wildfire while maintaining containment lines around the affected perimeter. Teams are adjusting their tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
Authorities said firefighters remain stationed across the area to closely monitor the fire’s evolution and respond quickly to any changes caused by shifting weather patterns.
Protecting a Key Protected Area
Sierra de Bahoruco National Park is one of the Dominican Republic’s most important protected natural areas, recognized for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The Ministry of Environment said current operations are focused on stabilizing the wildfire while minimizing damage to the park’s ecosystems.
The ministry added that it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as firefighting operations progress. Officials have not announced when the incident is expected to be fully contained, noting that weather conditions remain a significant factor in ongoing suppression efforts.