Massive Forest Fires Rage on in Eastern Cuba

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Wildfires have spread to the eastern forests of Cuba. More than 2,000 hectares of forest, including plants and coffee crops, were burned as firefighters, park workers and soldiers extinguished the fire, authorities said. Officials said the fire had moved from mensura-Piloto National Park and spread to the province of Santiago de Cuba. Local Communist Party leader Ernesto Santisteban said, "The fires are spreading not only as a focal point, but across a wide area. Officials have been struggling to douse the fire since the fire broke out on February 18. Officials say the economic impact has already been substantial and it could take years for the region to recover.