Panama — Three forest fires reported yesterday in La Yeguada Forest Reserve, located in Veraguas, have so far consumed about 150 hectares of pine forest and brushlands. After receiving the first emergency call, Veraguas forest brigades, with the support of units from the Coclé and Herrera Fire Departments, MiAmbiente teams, Environmental Police, and volunteers, began extinguishment work. MiAmbiente confirmed that 'three fire outbreaks have been registered: two of them are already controlled and extinguished, while the third outbreak remains active and is spreading towards the Alto de Veladero sector.' Work is underway in difficult-to-access areas to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas and nearby homes. The Fire Department reiterated to the population to avoid burning, bonfires, or throwing cigarette butts in forested areas, as these can cause fires that during the dry season spread easily and can cause serious damage to the environment, wildlife, and put lives and property at risk.
