'Nearly 20,000 hectares affected by fires': Tolima governor

The department of Tolima, Colombia, is grappling with a significant environmental crisis, with approximately 20,000 hectares devastated by forest fires. Governor Adriana Magali Matiz described the situation as an emergency with profound environmental, economic, and social impacts, demanding immediate action from the state.

“

Tolima is burning with forest fires that constitute an environmental, economic, and social emergency. This emergency demands immediate action and reaction from the state, and that is what we have done.

Matiz reported that seven fires are currently under control, while efforts continue to manage others with substantial aerial assistance. This includes two planes from the National Police, one from the National Army, and a helicopter from the Air Force. Ground crews, comprising firefighters from Tolima and other departments, along with volunteers, are also actively engaged in combating the blazes. Support has also come from the Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, Boyacá, Caquetá, and the mayor's office of Bogotá.

“

We have seven fires that are controlled and others that we are controlling with helicopter aid, meaning we have two planes from the National Police, one plane from the National Army, one helicopter from the Air Force that are doing assistance work. And we also have men on the ground: firefighters from the department of Tolima, and from other departments and volunteers.

Several municipalities are facing heightened risks, with San Luis, Valle de San Juan, Ortega, Coello, and Chaparral identified as among the most affected. The governor expressed particular concern over the fire in Coello, which threatened a service station before being contained with community, emergency services, and private sector aid. Another critical fire is burning on the 7-kilometer-long Las Mercedes hill, posing significant access difficulties for firefighting teams.

“

San Luis, Valle de San Juan, Ortega, Coello and Chaparral are some of the most affected municipalities in the department. We are very concerned about the fire in the municipality of Coello.

Matiz acknowledged the crucial support received from the national government, maintaining constant communication with the Minister of the Interior. The director of the national fire department has visited the region twice this week to coordinate efforts. Measures are being planned for the recovery of the affected areas.

“

I must recognize all the support that has been given by the national government; we have been in permanent contact with the minister of the Interior, who has sent the national director of firefighters twice this week, who have been here with the coordination.