The devastating fires that are consuming the forest reserves of the Central Mountains are about 50% contained according to the Venezuelan officers that are manning the two helicopters that are dropping water on the blazes. From La Cienaga, near Jarabacoa, the Venezuelan volunteers are working long hours, flying their large Cougar helicopters to and fro, from the La Cienaga river to the fires all day, stopping only for re-fueling and maintenance.
Venezuelan Air Force captain Wilfredo Lara said that the work was made more difficult due to the unpredictable wind currents and abrupt terrain.
Starting today the choppers will start using the waters of the Tavera Dam to fill their 2,400-liter bags. Currently, the worst fires are concentrated in the areas of Sabana Ciega, La Pelona and El Macutico.