A provoked fire that started on Saturday has affected 250 hectares of the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands in Osa, Puntarenas.

Forest of raffia palm, and native Symphonia globulifera tree has been consumed and many animal species have been affected; the strong winds of the past days and the accumulation of vegetation in areas of the wetlands complicated the work of the firefighters.

The wetlands are areas of difficult access, and therefore controlling the fire on land is complex, the National System of Areas of Conservation has been making use of a helicopter to try to control the wildfire from the air.

According to preliminary investigations, the wildfire was caused when a farmer started a fire to clean an area of land; however, the fire got out of control and reached the protected lands.

This is not the only wildfire that has affected the country in the past days, another fire consumed 20 hectares in the area of Tivives, in Esparza, Puntarenas. According to SINAC, a total of 50 wildfires have been reported since January 1st, 22 of which have taken place in protected lands accounting for more tha 180 hectares affected within these protected spaces. The other 22 fires were reported in private properties next to Protected Areas, in indigenous territories and other properties belonging to state institutions.

In addition to Terraba-Sierpe, the Barra Honda National Park in Nicoya, Guanacaste was also severely affected by provoked fires.