The Ministry of Environment has described the forest fires in Loma Miranda as a criminal act, as reported in Listin Diario. Environment Minister Bautista Rojas Gomez said that an investigation is underway to establish who was responsible.
He said the Ministry has learned that the arsonists injured workers in the area and fired shots into the air.
Four helicopters and an Air Force plane were supporting the firefighters. Smoke from the fire has reached the city of La Vega and affected visibility on Duarte Highway, as reported in Listin Diario.
Father Rogelio Cruz and Padre Nino blamed the Falcondo mining company for the fire, saying it was caused at strategic points only accessible by air.
“They used the fire to create the access roads to reach the areas where they want to mine in Loma Miranda,” said Cruz.
As reported, around 200 people, including Ministry of Environment specialists, firefighters, and Civil Defense volunteers were working to put out the fire in the mountain.
http://www.listindiario.com/la-republica/2015/5/7/366347/Medio-Ambiente-afirman-fuego-en-Loma-Miranda-fue-provocado
Incendio forestal se registra en loma Miranda; Autoridades dicen avanzan control