Quito Declares State of Emergency Amid Forest Fires
Ecuador's capital, Quito, is engulfed in chaos as 27 forest fires rage across the city, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. The fires, which ignited on Tuesday afternoon in the Guápulo residential area, the Metropolitan Park, and along the Simón Bolívar highway, have resulted in thick smoke and ash covering the city. Mayor Pabel Muñoz has labeled these incidents as criminal and terrorist acts, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect the community.
Firefighters have made progress in controlling the main fires, but the situation remains precarious as high temperatures and strong winds continue to fuel the flames. As of Wednesday morning, six houses have been destroyed, and nearly a hundred individuals have required medical attention due to smoke inhalation. The Bolaño sector, adjacent to the Simón Bolívar highway, is among the hardest-hit areas, with extensive damage visible during daylight hours.
The dry season has exacerbated the situation, with over 2,000 hectares burned in the past two years and more than 300 attempted fires reported. Despite the Municipality filing 16 complaints with the Prosecutor's Office, only three arrests have been made in connection with these incidents. The authorities are investigating a 19-year-old suspect arrested with combustible materials, believed to be linked to the ongoing fires.
In response to the crisis, nearly 200 firefighters, police, and military personnel have been mobilized to assist with firefighting and logistical efforts. The government has also agreed to suspend electricity rationing in Quito until Thursday, a crucial decision given the energy crisis affecting the nation, which has seen daily blackouts of up to 14 hours. President Daniel Noboa has cut short his trip to New York to oversee the emergency response in his country.
- The situation escalated quickly, with multiple fires igniting simultaneously, leading authorities to close roads and limit public movement to facilitate the work of emergency services. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the flames, but the unpredictable weather has complicated their efforts. In a press conference, Mayor Muñoz stated that while some progress has been made, the fires are not fully extinguished, and the risk remains high. He urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as the smoke poses health risks. The Quito Fire Department is actively engaged in combating the fires, and additional support from the Armed Forces has been deployed to assist in the firefighting efforts. As the situation develops, the Ecuadorian Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation to determine the causes of these devastating fires, which have not only threatened lives and property but also the environment. With 19 of Ecuador's 24 provinces already under red alert due to fires and water shortages, the ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat and prevent such disasters in the future.
