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🇪🇨 Ecuador /Disasters & Emergencies

Quito firefighters tackle second forest fire as first blaze devastates 100 hectares

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Quito firefighters are battling a second major forest fire that erupted Tuesday evening in the Tahuala sector, near the Middle of the World.
  • A separate fire in Calacalí has already destroyed approximately 100 hectares, described as a tragedy for the city's natural heritage.
  • Authorities are warning of significant fines for those who cause fires and urging nearby residents to use masks due to smoke.

Quito firefighters are responding to a second significant forest fire that broke out Tuesday evening, August 11, 2026, in the Tahuala sector, near the iconic Middle of the World landmark. This new blaze follows an earlier fire reported in Calacalí, which has already devastated an estimated 100 hectares.

the environmental toll as a tragedy for the natural heritage of the Metropolitan District.

— Pabel MuñozQuito Mayor Pabel Muñoz describing the impact of the Calacalí forest fire.

The Calacalí fire, described by Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz as a "tragedy for the natural heritage of the Metropolitan District," has prompted a large-scale emergency response. Approximately 70 firefighters, utilizing 19 specialized vehicles and deployed across 11 brigades, are working intensely in difficult terrain to contain the flames. They have managed to access the fire line on the upper slopes of the mountain.

Strong winds in the area are complicating control efforts, although the flames have not yet spread to populated areas. Emergency teams are working tirelessly to reduce the fire's intensity and achieve full containment in the coming hours. A Unified Command Post (PMO) has been established to coordinate the operational response.

Our team is on site carrying out control work.

— Quito Fire DepartmentA statement from the Quito Fire Department regarding their efforts in the Tahuala fire.

The Municipality of Quito is emphasizing strict enforcement of penalties for those responsible for starting fires, with fines potentially reaching $36,000, to protect lives and nature. Due to the deteriorating air quality caused by smoke columns, residents in adjacent areas are advised to wear masks and remain vigilant to wind variations. Mayor Muñoz emphatically stated, "We will be extremely harsh against those who generate these types of fires."

We will be extremely harsh against those who generate these types of fires.

— Pabel MuñozQuito Mayor Pabel Muñoz's strong stance against individuals causing forest fires.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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