# Forest fire outbreaks in Ecuador

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-outbreaks-in-ecuador
> Updated: 2026-09-13T17:43:12.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

In early September 2026, a forest fire consumed approximately 200 hectares of páramo in the Los Illinizas Ecological Reserve within the Pichincha province. Emergency response efforts involved a coordinated mobilization of fire departments, the Ecuadorian Armed Forces, and the Red Cross to prevent the blaze from threatening vital water resources.

By mid-September, the situation escalated into a widespread surge of forest fires across Ecuador. Within a single 24-hour period, ECU-911 reported 45 emergencies managed across various provinces, including Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Azuay, Tungurahua, Loja, Carchi, and El Oro. In Quito, major fires occurred in the La Vicentina and Catzuquí de Moncayo sectors. The La Vicentina blaze, affecting approximately five hectares, required 70 firefighters and 20 vehicles, leading to traffic closures on Velasco Ibarra Avenue.

Authorities have attributed the difficulty in combating the flames to strong winds and dry conditions, while noting that some fires were likely caused by ‘human intervention or negligence’. As of September 14, 2026, nine fires remained active across several provinces. In response to smoke and potential health risks, the Ministry of Public Health has deployed mobile brigades to provide medical assistance to residents in affected neighborhoods.

## Claims

- Forest fires in the La Vicentina and Catzuquí de Moncayo sectors of Quito required the deployment of approximately 70 firefighters and 20 vehicles. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The La Vicentina fire affected approximately five hectares of vegetation. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- As of September 14, 2026, nine forest fires remained active in five Ecuadorian provinces: Cotopaxi, Pichincha, Loja, Carchi, and El Oro. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The La Vicentina fire caused the closure of a section of the Velasco Ibarra Avenue. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- ECU-911 managed the response to 45 forest fires across various Ecuadorian provinces within a 24-hour period. (single source)
- The Mayor of Quito stated that the fires were likely caused by human intervention, such as negligence or irrational use of fire. (single source)
- Mobile health brigades were deployed to Quito to provide medical attention for smoke exposure and respiratory issues. (single source)
- Between July 1 and the first week of September, 154 incidents resulted in 1,118 hectares burned in Quito. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Ecuador faces widespread forest fires across multiple provinces

Ecuador is battling widespread forest fires, with 45 emergencies reported in 24 hours. Major fires in Quito's La Vicentina and Catzuquí sectors have mobilized dozens of firefighters and health brigades.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panamanian-firefighters-investigate-smoke-at-aes-gatn-facility

### 2026-09-03: Los Illinizas Ecological Reserve fire consumes 200 hectares

A forest fire has burned roughly 200 hectares of páramo in Ecuador's Los Illinizas Ecological Reserve, prompting a multi-agency emergency response to protect the ecosystem and water resources.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/los-illinizas-ecological-reserve-fire-consumes-200-hectares

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Cite as: Forest fire outbreaks in Ecuador. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-outbreaks-in-ecuador