# Forest fires in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fires-in-ecuador-colombia-and-peru
> Updated: 2026-08-21T12:05:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Severe forest fires driven by high temperatures and low humidity have impacted multiple regions across Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. In Ecuador, fires have affected areas including Quito and the Cotacachi-Cayapas National Park, with one fire in Cotacachi consuming approximately 800 hectares of vegetation.

In Peru, fires in Chotén have impacted roughly 50 homes, while agricultural land in Cusco remains at risk.

In Colombia, the situation has escalated into a severe environmental emergency in the department of Tolima. The Council of Risk Management has declared a state of public calamity as more than 20,000 hectares of forest and agricultural crops have been destroyed across at least 13 municipalities. High temperatures, reaching up to 40.8 degrees Celsius, and difficult terrain have complicated firefighting efforts, making it difficult to transport water and equipment to remote areas.

Critical hotspots include Gualanday in Coello, where fires have impacted mobility on the double carriageway, and San Luis, where flames have threatened the National Police Training School (CENOP). Several municipalities, including Coello, remain under red alert. 

A massive multi-regional response is underway. Over 150 firefighters are active on the ground, with reinforcements arriving from Bogotá, Huila, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, and Boyacá. The Colombian Air Force and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) are providing aerial support, including the use of ‘Bambi Buckets’ to combat flames in high-altitude and hard-to-reach sectors.

## Claims

- Forest fires in Tolima have consumed more than 20,000 hectares of forest and crops. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 150 firefighters are working to control the active fires. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The fires are affecting at least 13 municipalities in Tolima. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Four municipalities in Tolima are under red alert. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The National Police Training School (CENOP) in San Luis issued an alert due to the proximity of the flames. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Departmental Risk Management Council declared a state of public calamity. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Temperatures in the affected areas have reached 40.8 degrees Celsius. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Firefighters from Bogotá, Valle del Cauca, Huila, Antioquia, and Boyacá have been deployed to assist. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Tolima faces massive forest fires destroying 20,000 hectares

Forest fires in Tolima, Colombia, have destroyed over 20,000 hectares of land, affecting 13 municipalities and prompting a state of public calamity and a massive multi-regional emergency response.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tolima-forest-fires-trigger-massive-emergency-response

### 2026-08-10: Forest fires impact Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru

Severe forest fires are impacting Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Key emergencies include 800 hectares burned in Cotacachi, 39 active fires in Tolima, and 149 reported fires in Nariño, Colombia.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forest-fire-in-cajamarca-affects-50-homes-and-150-residents

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Cite as: Forest fires in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fires-in-ecuador-colombia-and-peru