# Wildfires in Puno, Cusco, and other Peruvian regions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildfires-in-puno-and-cusco-regions-of-peru
> Updated: 2026-10-12T22:05:32.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Wildfires have caused significant destruction across the Puno and Cusco regions of Peru, escalating into a severe emergency affecting multiple regions including Apurímac, Junín, and Ayacucho. The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) has placed nine regions under red alert, citing low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon. The fires have resulted in at least six reported deaths and extensive damage to crops, pastures, and native forests.

In response to the crisis, the government has deployed military personnel, firefighters, and aerial resources. To bolster these efforts, the government has announced the acquisition of 19 additional helibuckets. Additionally, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation is working to distribute seeds and animal feed to assist communities in recovering from the loss of grazing lands.

In Puno, tensions persist regarding resource allocation. Volunteer firefighters in San Román-Juliaca continue to battle a blaze spreading from Lampa toward Pucará. Fire chief Liu Frisancho Aroco reported that crews face difficult terrain and a lack of institutional support. Puno Regional Governor Richard Hancco Soncco has denied allegations of withholding support, stating a S/ 20 million investment in firefighting equipment is ongoing.

In the Cusco region, residents in Chumbivilcas and Quillabamba are calling for urgent assistance as flames threaten homes and wildlife. Recent reports from Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation Marco Vinelli indicate that 19 fires remain active while 20 have been controlled. Monitoring by Serfor has identified thousands of heat spots, with some reports suggesting up to 33 active fires across twelve regions.

## Claims

- Minister Marco Vinelli reported that 19 forest fires remain active in Peru. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The Peruvian Ministry of Defense has deployed land and air military operations to combat 58 active forest fires across eight regions. (disputed)
- Serfor reported 33 active forest fires across twelve regions of Peru on October 12. (disputed)
- Panamanian authorities are distributing humanitarian aid, including 26 tons of supplies, following an earthquake. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Cusco has recorded approximately 289 forest fires so far this year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Peruvian government will acquire 19 additional helibuckets to strengthen the response to forest fires. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 20 forest fires have been controlled during the current emergency season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Forest fires in Cusco have resulted in five deaths and over 16,000 hectares affected. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ingemmet identified 2,186 critical zones in Peru exposed to climate emergencies. (single source)
- The Peruvian Army controlled eight forest fires in the Ayacucho region over a ten-day period. (single source)
- Serfor recorded 3,312 heat spots and 71 confirmed forest fire alerts on October 11. (single source)
- Senamhi placed nine Peruvian regions under red alert due to atmospheric conditions favorable for fires. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Cusco residents seek aid to control forest fires

Forest fires in Cusco's Chumbivilcas and Quillabamba provinces are destroying grasslands and threatening wildlife and homes, prompting calls for military assistance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cusco-residents-seek-aid-to-control-forest-fires

### 2026-10-12: Puno firefighters battle spreading forest fire amid equipment disputes

Firefighters in Puno, Peru, are battling a spreading forest fire amid claims of insufficient government support and delays in a S/ 20 million equipment procurement process.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puno-firefighters-battle-spreading-forest-fire-amid-equipment-disputes

### 2026-10-11: Forest fires impact Peru and Bolivia as road fatalities rise in Colombia

Peru and Bolivia face severe forest fire emergencies, with Peru reporting multiple deaths and red alerts in nine regions. Meanwhile, Colombia reports significant road fatalities during holiday travel.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puno-region-faces-devastating-uncontrolled-forest-fires

---
Cite as: Wildfires in Puno, Cusco, and other Peruvian regions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildfires-in-puno-and-cusco-regions-of-peru