El Quinche forest fire prompts aerial support and health alerts in Quito

A forest fire broke out in the La Victoria sector of El Quinche, near Quito, on 2 August 2026. Strong winds, dry vegetation and rugged terrain hampered firefighting efforts, leading the municipal government to deploy aerial support and keep the Quito Fire Department on the scene.

Mayor Pabel Muñoz urged residents to limit outdoor activities and to use masks, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions. The city declared orange and red health alerts for neighborhoods downwind of the blaze, including Calderón and other northern districts, where dense smoke reduced visibility and raised air‑quality concerns. Local authorities advised closing doors and windows and avoiding open‑air fires.

Health brigades distributed masks and provided guidance, while the fire‑fighting teams continued to contain the flames and prevent the fire from reaching populated areas.