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Colombia faces severe wildfire crisis across nine departments
Colombia is experiencing a severe wildfire crisis, with 19 uncontrolled forest fire hotspots currently active across nine departments. The situation is most critical in Tolima, which reports eight active fires and the loss of over 50,000 hectares of vegetation.
In Cundinamarca, the UAEGRD reported that 755 forest fires damaged approximately 2,711 hectares across 75 municipalities during 2026, with August being the most impactful month. In response, the Cundinamarca government issued Circular 012, strictly prohibiting controlled open burning in all 116 municipalities. The extreme weather has also led to water shortages in several towns, prompting the distribution of potable water via tankers.
In Valle del Cauca, more than 50 emergencies have been recorded since June. The CVC has announced it will seek legal action against those identified as responsible for causing these fires and has suspended all controlled open burning in the department.
The Ideam warns that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to reach high intensity during the final quarter of the year, with impacts potentially lasting into early 2027, maintaining high risk levels for fire propagation.
Entities
CVC · Coahuila · Colombia · Cundinamarca · IDEAM · Tolima · UAEGRD · UNGRD · Valle del Cauca
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UAEGRD reported 755 forest fires damaging approximately 2,711 hectares across 75 municipalities in Cundinamarca during 2026. www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The CVC will seek legal action against individuals identified as responsible for causing forest fires. eltabloide.com.co
- [● 3 SOURCES] August 2026 was the month with the highest impact from forest fires in Cundinamarca, with 262 events in 50 municipalities. www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Cundinamarca government issued Circular 012, strictly prohibiting controlled open burning in all 116 municipalities. www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ideam predicts El Niño will reach high intensity in the final quarter of the year, lasting into early 2027. www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 50 forest fire emergencies have been recorded in 21 municipalities of Valle del Cauca since June. eltabloide.com.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] Tolima has the highest concentration of emergencies with eight active fires. rnv.gob.ve
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Cundinamarca, 755 forest fires damaged approximately 2,711 hectares across 75 municipalities during 2026. www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The CVC will seek legal action against individuals identified as responsible for causing forest fires in Valle del Cauca. eltabloide.com.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] Colombia is currently facing 19 uncontrolled forest fire hotspots across nine departments. rnv.gob.ve
- [DISPUTED] More than 50,000 hectares of vegetation have been lost in Tolima due to fires. rnv.gob.ve
- [● 3 SOURCES] August 2026 was the month with the highest impact in Cundinamarca, with 262 events in 50 municipalities. www.diariodelsur.com.co · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com