Colombia forest fires trigger emergency alerts in Barranquilla and Cali

A dense smoke plume from a large forest fire on Isla Salamanca in the Vía Parque forced emergency measures in Barranquilla on 16 July. Firefighter commander Edwin Pacheco confirmed the blaze, while regional agencies Corpamag and CRA appealed to the national government for coordinated assistance to protect the park and the nearby Ciénaga Grande.

In Cali, a heat wave has sparked a series of forest fires, including a one‑hectare blaze on the Cristo Rey hill. Twelve fire units, two tank trucks and the local forest brigade contained the fire without injuries. Authorities warned that dry vegetation, high temperatures and winds—exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon—raise the risk of further incidents and urged the public to avoid smoking, open fires, and improper waste disposal.

Both cities face deteriorating air quality and health concerns as authorities intensify monitoring and prevention campaigns.