Quito man sentenced to prison for causing forest fire

Cristofer Abraham F. S. has been sentenced to six months in prison for causing a forest fire in the San José de Monjas sector of Quito, near Simón Bolívar Avenue. The incident occurred on the morning of August 26, 2026.

During a criminal guarantees hearing, the defendant admitted to pouring a flammable substance on dry vegetation and setting it on fire without motive. By accepting responsibility through an abbreviated procedure under the Organic Integral Penal Code (COIP), the defendant received a reduced sentence from the standard one-to-three-year range.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the payment of a $1,446 fine and $498.53 in integral reparation to the Quito Fire Department. The prosecution's case was supported by fire inspection reports, environmental impact assessments, and complaints filed by the Municipality of Quito.