Wildfires in Colombia: Over 5,000 Hectares of Forests Affected

Colombia’s Huila department has been severely affected by wildfires, with over 5,000 hectares of forests consumed by flames in two municipalities, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).

The UNGRD reported that three other active fires are currently burning in the towns of Aipe, La Plata, and Neiva, the capital of the department. Additionally, eight fires are active in Tolima, two in Cauca, and one in the neighboring Valle del Cauca, totaling 15 fires across the country.

The operational entities of the National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD) are working tirelessly to protect communities and mitigate the impact of these devastating fires.

In response to the National Government’s call to action, the UNGRD and the National Personnel Recovery Center (CENRP) are coordinating efforts with the Colombian Air Force to combat the fires in Huila.

A plane was dispatched from Bogotá to Palermo, equipped with 20 containers from the Guardian Caylym System and 12 experts to fight the fire. The 4th Air Fighter Command also activated a Bell 206-Ranger for evaluation and a Huey II with the Bambi Bucket system for precision drops.

Priority is being given to preventing water and liquid spills in areas where farms, schools, homes, and indigenous communities are at risk.

Although the origin of the fires has not been reported, authorities are working to contain the situation. Colombia has been experiencing high temperatures for weeks, and according to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam), lower rainfall than usual has been recorded in much of the country.

However, the Ideam forecasts an increase in rainfall above normal amounts for the months of October and November, particularly in the Caribbean, Andes, and Pacific regions.