By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Environmental authorities have issued a stark warning to the public as powerful winds associated with the season’s 13th cold front sweep across Costa Rica, creating perilous conditions ripe for devastating forest fires. The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is urging citizens to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that the potent combination of the annual dry season and intensified trade winds poses a significant threat to the nation’s invaluable natural ecosystems.
The alert comes as meteorological reports confirm that strong trade winds will persist over the coming days, with gusts expected to reach their peak intensity during the weekend. Historically, January and February are the windiest months of the year in Costa Rica. This cyclical weather pattern, when overlaid with the dry, combustible vegetation of the summer season, creates a tinderbox effect where a single spark can rapidly escalate into an uncontrollable blaze, threatening biodiversity, property, and human lives.
To shed light on the legal framework and potential liabilities surrounding the recent wave of forest fires, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, causing a forest fire, even through negligence, is not just an environmental tragedy but a serious criminal offense under Forestry Law N° 7575, which can lead to imprisonment. Beyond the criminal penalties, there is immense civil liability. This means the responsible party can be sued for the full cost of extinguishing the fire and for the total value of the ecological damage, which can easily amount to millions. Landowners and developers must be hyper-vigilant, as they can be held responsible for fires originating on their property if they failed to implement legally required preventive measures like firebreaks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective serves as a sobering reminder that the repercussions of a forest fire extend far beyond the ecological tragedy, carrying severe and potentially ruinous financial and criminal penalties. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification, which underscores the profound responsibility landowners and the public bear in actively preventing these disasters.
Officials are particularly concerned about the speed at which wind-driven fires can spread. These blazes are notoriously difficult for firefighting crews to contain, as embers can be carried long distances, igniting new fires far from the original front. This phenomenon, known as “spotting,” can quickly overwhelm response efforts and place remote communities and protected wildlife reserves in immediate danger.
In a formal statement, SINAC called for a unified national effort to mitigate the risk, highlighting the critical role of public vigilance in preventing disasters before they start. Oscar Mora Montero, the head of the agency’s fire management division, underscored the importance of collective responsibility.
SINAC, through its Comprehensive Fire Management Department, reiterates its commitment to protecting the country’s natural heritage and urges citizens to adopt responsible and preventive behavior, thereby contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the safety of communities.
Oscar Mora Montero, Coordinator of the Comprehensive Fire Management Department of SINAC
Preventive measures recommended by the agency include avoiding all types of open burning, such as for agricultural purposes or waste disposal, and properly extinguishing cigarettes. Campers and visitors to natural areas are advised to use designated fire pits only and ensure any flames are completely doused before leaving. SINAC also encourages residents to create “defensible space” around their homes by clearing away dry leaves, brush, and other flammable materials.
The danger is not expected to subside soon. While the powerful trade winds are a primary concern for January and February, the fire season typically extends through April. During these later months, even if the winds lessen, the risk remains exceptionally high due to soaring temperatures and prolonged dry spells that leave the landscape vulnerable. The cumulative effect is a multi-month period of elevated fire risk that requires sustained awareness.
The potential consequences of widespread forest fires in Costa Rica are severe. Beyond the immediate destruction of flora and fauna, these events can trigger soil erosion, degrade water quality in crucial watersheds, and release massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. The nation’s world-renowned ecotourism industry, a vital pillar of the economy, is also highly susceptible to the negative impacts of a destructive fire season.
As the nation braces for this period of heightened risk, SINAC’s message is clear: prevention is the most effective tool in the fight against wildfires. The protection of Costa Rica’s celebrated natural heritage depends on the conscientious actions of every individual, ensuring that the country’s lush forests and diverse wildlife are preserved for generations to come.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About SINAC:
The National System of Conservation Areas (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación, or SINAC) is the administrative body responsible for managing Costa Rica’s national parks, biological reserves, and other protected natural areas. As a dependency of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), SINAC’s mission is to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of the country’s vast biodiversity, ecosystems, and watersheds for the benefit of society. It plays a central role in environmental protection, ecological research, and the promotion of ecotourism.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical practice and the highest standards of excellence. The firm consistently champions innovative legal strategies, serving a broad clientele with unparalleled distinction. Beyond its professional accomplishments, a central tenet of its philosophy is the belief that legal knowledge should be accessible to all, driving its commitment to foster a society that is both informed and truly empowered.
