Colombian authorities have declared a public calamity after a wildfire erupted on a mountain overlooking Villa de Leyva, a popular colonial‑town tourist destination about 160 km northeast of Bogotá. By Sunday evening the blaze had burned an estimated 290 hectares – an area comparable to 400 soccer fields – and was roughly 50% under control.
Response and resources
More than 400 firefighters, emergency workers, residents and volunteers have been mobilized, supported by four helicopters that dropped water on the flames. Governor Carlos Amaya of Boyacá state reported that aircraft completed about 170 water drops, releasing roughly 240,000 liters (63,400 gallons) of water.
Impact on the community
Local officials suspended in‑person classes on Monday and carried out preventive evacuations, including at hotels near the fire. Strong winds have at times pushed the flames toward populated areas, heightening concerns for residents.
Investigation and broader context
Environment Minister Fabio Arjona said preliminary information from the national disaster management agency suggests the fire may have been deliberately started, though investigations are ongoing. President Abelardo De La Espriella posted on X that the fire was about half controlled and contained on the ground.
Nationally, the disaster agency reported 27 forest fires across Colombia, with 19 still active and eight under control. Nine of the active fires are in Tolima, a mountainous region southwest of Bogotá, while others burn throughout the Andean zone. Between June 16 and August 6, the country recorded 438 forest fires in 191 municipalities, affecting about 7,153 hectares of vegetation.
Regional outlook
Colombia’s weather agency warned that the El Niño phenomenon is increasing fire danger by reducing rainfall and raising temperatures. The agency expects the period of greatest risk – with heightened wildfire and water‑shortage concerns – to run from October through April.
Neighboring Ecuador is also battling wildfires, with 12 active fires and more than 21,800 hectares burned this year. A fire on the slopes of Ecuador’s Imbabura volcano burned about 300 hectares before being contained after three days.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
