Quito firefighters contain forest fire in Tumbaco

Quito firefighters are working to control a forest fire in San Juan de Chuspiyacu, a sector of Tumbaco also known as Polígono de Tiro. The emergency service deployed 47 personnel and 16 vehicles to prevent the flames from spreading.

The fire department is using unmanned aircraft, or drones, to monitor the fire’s behavior. In its latest report, it said crews had not identified active lines of propagation, but operations at the site were continuing.

The Municipality of Quito also used the incident to remind residents about penalties for causing forest fires. Under Fire Use Ordinance 075, fines vary according to the seriousness of the offense and its effect on people, wildlife and the environment.

Minor offenses can draw fines of $482 to $1,205. Serious offenses carry penalties of $1,446 to $2,169, while very serious offenses can result in fines ranging from $2,410 to $36,150. The municipality said causing a forest fire constitutes a serious offense and warned that the financial penalty can exceed $36,000.

Open burning of agricultural waste and rubbish is also subject to sanctions because it can start forest fires. The fine in those cases is $241, equivalent to half of a unified basic salary, according to the Metropolitan Control Agency.