Environment says forest fires more than 70% controlled

Santo Domingo.- Environment minister Bautista Rojas on Thursday said the recent forest fires in recent days in various areas of the country are more than 70% controlled

He said at Los Haitises National Park three helicopters work to prevent and control the blazes quickly, while the brushfires near the towns Constanza, Restauracion, Barahona, Dajabón and Ocoa are more than 70%, controlled and should be totally doused soon.

Rojas said collaboration among the over 600 employees, officials and volunteers from the Environment and Defense ministries has allowed the effective control of the blazes in the various areas.

In a statement the official added that the crews remain at the sites to extinguish the fires completely and prevent similar blazes in the future.