Colombian authorities have declared a public calamity as a significant wildfire consumed vegetation near Villa de Leyva, a colonial town known for its historical architecture and popularity as a tourist destination. The fire began on Saturday in the mountainous area overlooking the town, located about 160 kilometers northeast of the capital, Bogotá.
Efforts to contain the blaze have seen partial success. As of Monday, officials reported the fire was approximately 50 to 75 percent under control, with some hotspots continuing to burn but being actively combated by firefighters. The affected area has been estimated between 290 and 340 hectares, equivalent to roughly 400 soccer fields. Strong winds have complicated containment efforts and prompted evacuations, including from two hotels situated on nearby slopes.
More than 400 personnel—including firefighters, emergency workers, residents, and volunteers—have been involved in the response. Four helicopters have conducted numerous water drops, with regional governor Carlos Amaya stating that around 170 drops totaling 240,000 liters were carried out on Sunday alone. Approximately 76 residents were evacuated as a precaution due to the fire’s proximity to populated zones. Authorities also suspended in-person classes and declared emergencies in the affected municipalities.
Colombia is currently facing heightened wildfire risks due to drier-than-usual weather conditions linked to the developing El Niño climate phenomenon. El Niño, which typically causes reduced rainfall and increased temperatures in parts of the country, is expected to elevate fire risks especially between October and April. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management reported 19 active wildfires across Colombia, including 13 in the neighboring Andean and Caribbean regions. A broader tally indicates that Colombia has contended with hundreds of fires over recent months, affecting thousands of hectares of vegetation.
Meanwhile, neighboring Ecuador is also confronting a wave of wildfires, with 12 currently active as of Sunday. The country has seen more than 21,800 hectares burned this year. Firefighting efforts there have recently brought a blaze near the slopes of the Imbabura volcano under control following several days of effort.
The cause of the Villa de Leyva fire remains under investigation, with preliminary indications from Colombia’s environment ministry suggesting it may have been deliberately ignited. President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed on social media that containment efforts were ongoing but progressing.
Both countries continue to prepare for the potential escalation of wildfire incidents amid the challenges posed by the El Niño weather pattern and its associated environmental impacts.