Puerto Suárez Activates Emergency Center to Combat Otuquis National Park Fire

Puerto Suárez has officially activated its Municipal Emergency Operations Center (COEM) to intensify efforts against a significant wildfire ravaging the Otuquis National Park. The move aims to enhance inter-institutional coordination, enabling a more agile operational response, better control over the heat sources, and ultimately reducing the environmental damage caused by the blaze.

The formation of the COEM follows the detection of fire outbreaks within one of Bolivia's most important natural reserves. Representatives from various sectors, including the mayor of Puerto Suárez, María Renée Hoyos, the provincial sub-governor, military forces, the Bolivian Police, and the Ombudsman's Office, convened to strategize and coordinate actions. Firefighting operations commenced immediately upon detection of the initial flames, with personnel and resources deployed to prevent the fire's spread.

Mayor Hoyos emphasized the critical importance of unity among the involved institutions to effectively manage the emergency. She reaffirmed the commitment to sustained work until the fire is completely contained, prioritizing both public safety and the preservation of the municipality's natural heritage. The COEM's activation is seen as a crucial step in consolidating resources and streamlining command for the ongoing battle against the flames.

Furthermore, the authorities plan to solicit support from private businesses, other institutions, and departmental and national government bodies. The objective is to gather additional human, logistical, and operational resources to strengthen the ongoing firefighting and control tasks. This collaborative approach underscores the severity of the situation and the collective responsibility to protect the Otuquis National Park.