Colombia battles forest fires as Cumbitara blaze nears containment

The Cumbitara forest fire in Nariño, which began on 8 July 2026 and burned around 646 hectares, was reported almost fully contained on 21 July, with only a small high‑altitude focus remaining under surveillance. Coordinated actions by local volunteer firefighters, the Colombian Aerospace Force, the Army and risk‑management agencies extinguished accessible sectors; 35 volunteers from several municipalities participated.

In Tolima department, roughly 40 vegetation fires have been recorded over the past two weeks amid a severe dry season. Three municipalities—Líbano, Mariquita and Santa Isabel—are on red alert, about 35 on orange and the rest on yellow. Authorities say most ignitions stem from irresponsible burning by residents. A major blaze near the Gualanday toll plaza in Ibagué prompted the use of a heli‑ported protocol with aerial water drops to protect populated areas and ecosystems.