Medellín Firefighters Respond to 50 Forest Fires in August as Dry Season Raises Alarm

Medellín recorded 50 vegetation fires in August, prompting authorities to reinforce controls around the city’s seven protected hills and ecological reserves.

The Department of Disaster Risk Management and the Medellín Fire Department expanded their contingency plan as meteorological projections pointed to a prolonged period of reduced rainfall. The dry conditions, intensified by El Niño, could continue through the first quarter of 2027.

The city has recorded 4,900 incidents of all kinds this year, including 150 forest fires. August alone accounted for one-third of the annual forest-fire total. Across Antioquia department, authorities counted 73 fires, with 18 occurring during the first two weeks of August.

Officials warned that high temperatures and prolonged exposure to radiation also increase the risk of heatstroke. More than 1,600 professionals and emergency responders, including firefighters, public security forces and support groups, are deployed.

The disaster agency urged residents not to conduct so-called controlled burns or throw rubbish in wooded areas. It also called for careful household water use and immediate reports of smoke or flames through emergency line 123.