Wildfires impact Cotacachi-Cayapas and Quito regions in Ecuador

Ecuador is facing significant wildfire activity across multiple regions. In the Imbabura province, a fire in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve has burned approximately 800 hectares of vegetation over five days. While authorities report that 60% of the fire is under control, strong winds continue to hinder containment efforts. Emergency operations are being coordinated from a unified command post in Topo, involving over 550 personnel and 35 vehicles to protect water sources and ecosystems.

Simultaneously, the Quito and Pichincha areas have experienced a surge in fire incidents. On August 14, 2026, the ECU 911 emergency service reported 11 separate forest fires across various sectors, including Monjas, Yaruquí, Conocoto, and Sangolquí. While some fires in Monjas and Conocoto have been controlled, emergency teams remain deployed in several other locations to combat the flames.