Nariño steps up wildfire prevention as fires burn over 1,200 hectares

Authorities in Colombia's Nariño department have intensified fire‑prevention measures after 77 vegetation fires across 25 municipalities have scorched roughly 1,278 hectares. Most incidents have been contained, but an active emergency remains in Cumbitara, where two hotspots are still under surveillance.

The response has involved firefighters, police, local farming communities and the deployment of a drone to map access routes and pinpoint areas needing assistance. Officials warn that below‑average rainfall since April and the expected arrival of an El Niño episode between September and October could raise temperatures, further reduce precipitation and heighten the risk of new fires, threatening water sources and crops.

The department urges residents to avoid open burning, report any signs of smoke promptly, and cooperate with emergency services to prevent small ignitions from becoming larger emergencies.