Puno region reports 13 forest fires burning over 230 hectares

The Regional Emergency Operations Center in Puno recorded 13 forest fires between June 22 and June 26, affecting more than 230 hectares of natural grassland across districts including Quiaca, Juliaca, Ácora, Platería, Pichacani, Tiquillaca, several sectors of Puno, Yunguyo, Juli and Ituata. As of the latest report, a fire remains active in the Chejoña neighborhood (Lake zone) of Puno province, while no injuries or deaths have been reported.

The regional government warned that the fires have caused significant damage to local flora and fauna and urged residents to avoid burning pastures and agricultural waste during the dry season. It also announced that individuals who cause forest fires could face administrative, civil and criminal penalties, and urged the public to report any smoke plumes immediately.