South American forest fires damage ecosystems and economies

Multiple forest fires are causing significant environmental and economic damage across South America. In Colombia, the fire at the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary near Villa de Leyva is 98% controlled. The blaze affected approximately 1,480 hectares, including 715 hectares of protected land, and caused an estimated daily economic loss of 250 million pesos due to paralyzed tourism.

In Pasto, Colombia, authorities have issued a maximum alert as simultaneous fires threaten residential areas and rural peripheries. High temperatures and low humidity have contributed to the rapid spread of flames, with the city recording 286 forest fire events so far this year. Other active fires are being monitored in the departments of Tolima and Cundinamarca.

In Ecuador, a fire at Cerro Casitagua near Quito has been extinguished after affecting over 525 hectares. The blaze caused significant damage to local biodiversity, impacting habitats for species such as the Andean bear, red-breasted spectacled canary, and various deer and rabbits. Authorities are using thermal monitoring and drones to ensure no hot spots remain.