Monitor this situation.

Unsubscribe anytime.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [INTERNATIONAL]

5 clusters · 84 sources · 35 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 17 days ago

Wildfire in Boyacá, Colombia

Overview

A major wildfire that began on September 19 near the San Marcos hill has caused significant environmental damage in Colombia’s Boyacá department, threatening the town of Villa de Leyva and the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary. By September 24, authorities reported the fire was approximately 98% under control. While earlier estimates suggested 1,480 hectares of vegetation were impacted, updated reports indicate the blaze affected approximately 1,200 hectares, including 715 hectares of protected land within the Iguaque sanctuary. Officials noted that over 6,000 hectares were successfully saved, and there were no reported fatalities or residential losses. As of September 25, the fire has been fully contained. The firefighting operation involved over 700 personnel, including volunteers, firefighters, police, soldiers, and members of the Aerospace Force, working alongside Parques Nacionales Naturales and Corpoboyacá. Aerial efforts were extensive, consisting of 335 drone flights and 335 aircraft sorties that delivered approximately 1.6 million liters of water via drops, supplemented by 126,000 liters delivered by tankers. The total area impacted is now reported as 1,480 hectares, with 1,180 hectares located within the protected sanctuary. Following containment, the Government of Boyacá has transitioned into a restoration phase focused on ash control and the recovery of affected ecological zones. Parques Nacionales Naturales has kept the Iguaque sanctuary closed to facilitate these efforts. Investigations into the cause continue, with preliminary findings suggesting the fire may have been intentionally set. Governor Carlos Amaya has offered a reward of up to 45 million pesos for information. In October, updated assessments indicated the wildfire affected a total of 1,517 hectares, with 1,083 hectares within the sanctuary. Parques Nacionales Naturales conducted a post-disaster environmental damage assessment to plan restoration using native species.

Entities

Boyacá · Villa de Leyva · Rodrigo Lara · National Unit for Disaster Risk Management · Carlos Amaya

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 8 SOURCES] The wildfire has affected approximately 1,340 hectares.
[● 2 SOURCES] Over 6,000 hectares were saved with no reported deaths, injuries, or loss of homes.
[○ 1 SOURCE] One firefighter was injured during the emergency response.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Iguaque fire affected approximately 1,200 hectares, including 715 hectares of protected sanctuary land.
[● 5 SOURCES] Six helicopters are being used to drop water on the fire.
[● 4 SOURCES] Authorities have indicated that the fire may have been intentionally set.
[● 3 SOURCES] The forest fire in Villa de Leyva is 75% under control.
[● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 60% of the affected area is within the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.
[● 2 SOURCES] A fire in the Casitagua hill near Quito affected over 525 hectares.
[● 2 SOURCES] The Casitagua fire impacted habitats for species including the Andean bear, deer, and various birds.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A reward of up to 45 million pesos has been announced for information regarding the cause of the fire.

Timeline

17 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
Iguaque Sanctuary to reopen in Colombia after forest fire
Colombia's Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary will reopen on November 3, 2026, following a forest fire that destroyed over 1,000 hectares of the protected area.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Iguaque Sanctuary forest fire contained in Boyacá
A forest fire affecting 1,480 hectares, including the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, has been fully contained in Boyacá, Colombia, moving into a restoration phase.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 18 sources
Wildfires cause environmental emergencies across Latin America
Wildfires are causing widespread environmental damage across Latin America, including the Iguaque Sanctuary in Colombia, Casitagua hill in Ecuador, and residential areas in Pasto and Rawson.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 15 sources
Villa de Leyva wildfire reaches 90% control after affecting 1,480 hectares
A massive wildfire in Villa de Leyva and the Iguaque Sanctuary, Colombia, is 90% controlled after affecting up to 1,480 hectares. Emergency crews continue monitoring active hotspots.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 66 sources
Villa de Leyva wildfire threatens Colombian tourist town
A massive wildfire has burned approximately 290 hectares near Villa de Leyva, Colombia, prompting evacuations and a state of public calamity. The fire is currently 50% controlled.

Sources

360radio.com.co · 90minutos.co · allgaeuer-anzeigeblatt.de · antiguatribune.com · athina984.gr · bahamasspectator.com · barbadosgazette.com · bbv-net.de · boyaca7dias.com.co · boyacadigital.com · buenaventuraenlinea.com · businessdaily.gr · canal13sanjuan.com · canalcapital.gov.co · ciudadmcy.info.ve · colombia.com · correiodobrasil.com.br · crprensa.com · diariodecasanare.com · diariodelcauca.com.co · diariodelhuila.com · diariodelnorte.net · diariodelsur.com.co · dominicanrepublicpost.com · eldiarioboyaca.com · elespectador.com · elmercuriomanta.ec · elnuevodia.com.co · elnuevosiglo.com.co · elpaisdelosjovenes.com · elperiodicodeportivo.com.co · eltabloide.com.co · enikos.gr · entomelloso.com · entornointeligente.com · ertnews.gr · expreso.ec · extra.com.co · fvw.de · guadalajaradiario.es · haitigazette.com · hsbnoticias.com · ilpallonegonfiato.it · infoenn.com · jamaicainquirer.com · laopinion.com.co · larazon.co · las2orillas.co

This summary has been updated 9 times: see revision history