Forest fire near Quito prompts emergency response and traffic disruption

A significant forest fire erupted Saturday afternoon in Quito, Ecuador, near El Trébol, a key junction connecting the capital to the Valle de los Chillos. The blaze sent a dense column of black smoke into the sky, visible from various parts of the city and causing alarm among residents.

Specialized personnel from the Quito Fire Department were immediately dispatched to combat and extinguish the flames. Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) deployed officers to manage traffic flow. The administration of the General Rumiñahui Highway confirmed the presence of response teams and urged drivers to proceed with extreme caution. To alleviate congestion, the AMT implemented a contraflow lane on the highway heading towards the Valle de los Chillos.

This emergency occurs during Quito's summer season, known for high temperatures, strong winds, and intense solar radiation, conditions that heighten the risk of forest fires. Local authorities have reiterated their public awareness campaign, urging citizens to avoid agricultural burns, refrain from discarding cigarette butts in vegetated areas, and immediately report any smoke columns to the 9-1-1 emergency system to help protect the city's natural spaces.