To reduce the risk of new wildfires in protected areas, such as Altos de Campana National Park and Biological Reserve, work is underway on creating firebreaks at specific points.
With the arrival of the dry season, preventing wildfires in protected areas and forest parks poses a challenge for the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente). In the province of West Panama, during the summer months of 2025, 27.67 hectares of protected areas were consumed by flames, according to MiAmbiente records. As a result of investigations, it was determined that some of the fires were intentionally set.
Another objective, explains Lady Palacios, head of the Forestry Section of MiAmbiente in this province, is to reduce the amount of flammable material in protected areas and prevent sparks or controlled burns from turning into large-scale fires.
Between January and May, when drought intensifies, grasses, gramineous plants, and leaf litter become natural fuel, increasing the likelihood of incidents within protected areas. In places like Altos de Campana National Park and Biological Reserve, the Arraiján Shooting Polygon, and the Multiple Use Area of the Chame Bay Mangroves, most documented fires are linked to human activities.
"Any poorly managed burn can severely affect vegetation, wildlife, and air quality," warned Palacios.
Outside these zones, fires affected 35.28 hectares.
