[REVISION HISTORY]

Wildfire in Boyacá, Colombia

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2026-09-26 17:23 UTC → 2026-10-26 03:10 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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