Tarija, Bolivia declares emergency as forest fires devastate region

The governor of Tarija announced a departmental state of emergency after forest fires swept thousands of hectares in the Serranía de Sama, Quirusillas, Ancahuasi and other communities. The declaration allows immediate public‑budget allocations and requests for central government assistance.

The response mobilised the Bolivian army, police, volunteer firefighters and specialised aerial units, including a dedicated aircraft sent to fight the blaze from the air. Over 2,500 personnel and heavy equipment have been deployed, while health officials warned of deteriorating air quality for residents, especially children and the elderly.

Police investigations have resulted in the detention of two suspects linked to deliberate ignitions, one caught in flagrante in the Sella Quebrada area and another arrested for starting a fire in Sella Cercado. Both were handed over to judicial authorities for further inquiry.

To protect pupils from smoke and threatened water supplies, the mayor extended winter school holidays by one week, now ending on 27 July. The combined measures aim to contain the fires, safeguard public health and assess the damage caused by high winds of 70‑120 km/h that have driven the rapid spread of the blazes.