# Wildfire in Boyacá, Colombia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildfire-in-boyac-colombia > Updated: 2026-09-24T17:52:40.000Z. Sources: 78. Developments: 3. 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, the fire had impacted approximately 1,480 hectares of vegetation. A significant portion of this damage—estimated between 715 and 800 hectares—occurred within the protected Iguaque sanctuary, an area ecologically vital for its paramo ecosystems and regional water supply for over 30,000 people. The emergency led to a state of public calamity, the suspension of classes, the preventive evacuation of homes, and the postponement of the 12th Villa del Cine Festival. Emergency response efforts, part of ‘Operation Dynamo’, involved over 250 personnel from various departments, including the National Army, National Police, and the Colombian Aerospace Force. Aerial operations were critical, with six to seven aircraft performing nearly 300 water drops. As of late September 24, authorities report the fire is approximately 98% under control. The blaze has caused severe economic damage to Villa de Leyva, with daily losses estimated at 250 million pesos due to the paralysis of tourism and local commerce. Investigations into the cause are ongoing; preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been intentionally set. Governor Carlos Amaya has offered a reward of up to 45 million pesos for information. ## Claims - The forest fire in Villa de Leyva is 75% under control. (disputed by 3 sources) - The wildfire in Villa de Leyva and the Iguaque Sanctuary is approximately 90% under control. (disputed by 2 sources) - The wildfire has affected approximately 1,340 hectares. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Six helicopters are being used to drop water on the fire. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Authorities have indicated that the fire may have been intentionally set. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Approximately 60% of the affected area is within the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. (corroborated by 2 sources) - One firefighter was injured during the emergency response. (single source) - A reward of up to 45 million pesos has been announced for information regarding the cause of the fire. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: South American forest fires damage ecosystems and economies Forest fires in Colombia and Ecuador have caused extensive ecological damage, affecting protected sanctuaries like Iguaque and habitats in Quito, while threatening residential areas in Pasto. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boyac-forest-fire-reaches-90-control-near-villa-de-leyva ### 2026-09-22: 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. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boyac-forest-fires-threaten-iguaque-sanctuary-in-colombia ### 2026-09-20: 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. 66 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/villa-de-leyva-forest-fire-affects-over-60-hectares --- Cite as: Wildfire in Boyacá, Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildfire-in-boyac-colombia