started · updated
Villa de Leyva wildfire reaches 90% control after affecting 1,480 hectares
A major wildfire in the Boyacá region of Colombia, specifically affecting Villa de Leyva, Chíquiza, and the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, has reached approximately 90% control. The fire, which began on September 19 near Cerro San Marcos, has impacted between 1,200 and 1,480 hectares of land. A significant portion of the affected area, estimated at roughly 60% to 89%, lies within the protected Iguaque Sanctuary.
Emergency response efforts involve over 250 personnel, including firefighters, the Colombian Air Force, the National Police, the Army, and the Red Cross. Aerial operations have been critical, utilizing six helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets to perform hundreds of water drops. Authorities have allocated approximately 3 billion pesos to strengthen the aerial response.
The fire has caused local disruptions, including the preventive evacuation of homes, the suspension of classes, and the postponement of the 12th Villa del Cine Festival. While the fire is largely contained, authorities continue to monitor for active hotspots in difficult-to-access mountainous terrain. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been intentionally set.
Entities
Boyacá · Carlos Amaya · Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary · Iguaque Sanctuary · José Luis Bohórquez López · National Unit for Disaster Risk Management · Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia · Rodrigo Lara · UNGRD · Villa de Leyva
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The wildfire has affected approximately 1,340 hectares. www.revistaecoguia.com · eldiarioboyaca.com · torontolatinos.com · correiodobrasil.com.br · 90minutos.co · +3 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] One firefighter was injured during the emergency response.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Governor of Boyacá confirmed that 800 hectares within the Iguaque Sanctuary have been burned. www.diariodecasanare.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 60% of the affected area is within the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. www.revistaecoguia.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Authorities have indicated that the fire may have been intentionally set. www.diariodecasanare.com · torontolatinos.com · correiodobrasil.com.br · www.colombia.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Six helicopters are being used to drop water on the fire. www.diariodecasanare.com · eldiarioboyaca.com · radionacional.co · 90minutos.co · www.colombia.com
- [DISPUTED] The forest fire in Villa de Leyva is 75% under control. torontolatinos.com · correiodobrasil.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A reward of up to 45 million pesos has been announced for information regarding the cause of the fire.
- [DISPUTED] The wildfire in Villa de Leyva and the Iguaque Sanctuary is approximately 90% under control. eldiarioboyaca.com · radionacional.co