Colombia faces extreme temperatures and wildfires

Colombia is facing extreme temperatures and increased wildfire risks due to the El Niño phenomenon. In the department of Cundinamarca, authorities are working to control fires in the Caparrapí municipality, specifically in the Barrial Amarillo and Palenque areas. Governor Jorge Rey reported that one fire has been 80% controlled, with helicopters deployed for water drops in the Minas de La Vega area.

In Medellín, a vegetation fire on the Las Palmas road led to a criminal investigation. Authorities used security cameras to identify and capture a man suspected of deliberately starting the blaze. Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez described the incident as a deliberate and irresponsible act that endangered both the community and emergency responders. The fire required several hours of work by firefighters to control and cool down to prevent reignition.