Forest fire near Puerto Mayor Busch controlled after five hours; other regions also affected

Bolivian naval forces successfully extinguished a significant forest fire near Puerto Mayor Busch after a challenging five-hour operation. The blaze, which ignited in the Triángulo Dionisio Foianini sector, threatened strategic installations. The Fifth Naval District Santa Cruz deployed personnel, vehicles, and specialized equipment to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading.

Coordination with local authorities, including the municipality of Puerto Suárez, the National Protected Areas Service (Sernap), and the Departmental Emergency Operations Center (COED), was crucial. Three naval crews, along with motorized units, a Hino truck, a fire engine, and specialized firefighting gear, were dispatched to the affected area. An incident command post was established to monitor the fire's evolution and ensure the safety of nearby facilities, including those of the Bolivian Port Services Administration (ASPB) and the Mutún Iron and Steel Company (ESM).

The fire has already consumed more than 200,000 hectares, and there is significant concern that it could spread to the Chiquitano dry forest. Meanwhile, other regions are also battling blazes. In Tarija, forest fires have ravaged approximately 3,000 hectares as of July 19, with the figure expected to rise. The national government has deployed helicopters to assist in mitigating fires in Tarija, while Cochabamba is also reporting significant fires threatening urban areas.