The official explained that the number of forest accidents between December and February was higher than those registered in 15 or 20 years.

“December, January and February do not behave in the same way; it is calmer in February, and this time the three months were equalized,” Riaño said about the number of fires.

The reason was the widespread drought that has been affecting the country since October 2022, and the high temperatures registered from December onwards.

Close to two thousand fields, pastures and forest fires were recorded during this quarter, although the burnt areas did not exceed the 2022 season, when the flames affected 36 thousand hectares.

The historical record responds to the “biggest forest fire in the history of Uruguay,” Riaño reminded, regarding the one that occurred in January last year in the forests of the departments of Río Negro and Paysandú, where 22,000 hectares were burnt.

The Fire Chief told the press that the firefighters will receive new equipment and Twenty vans loaded with rapid response equipment will be put into operation in the next few days. Also,the arrival of large trucks for urban and forestry use is expected for June and September, he said.

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