Quito on Alert for Forest Fires Amid Dry Season

Quito faces an elevated risk of forest fires as the dry season intensifies, prompting heightened vigilance from emergency services. Over the weekend of August 2-3, the Quito Fire Department responded to five separate fire incidents in areas including Itulcachi, La Libertad, La Merced, Tanda, and El Quinche.

Officials are emphasizing the critical importance of public cooperation in preventing fires, noting that an overwhelming 99% of forest fires in Quito and Ecuador are intentionally or accidentally caused by human activity. Simple actions, such as properly disposing of cigarette butts, avoiding open fires in natural areas, and clearing dry vegetation around homes, are crucial.

The municipality has identified the valleys of Los Chillos and Tumbaco, along with the Eloy Alfaro Zonal Administration, as areas particularly susceptible to fires due to dry vegetation and proximity to urban and natural zones. The Fire Department and Metropolitan Control Agency have been conducting preventive patrols since June to identify and mitigate risks. Strict penalties are in place, with fines for causing forest fires escalating from $482 for minor offenses to over $36,000 for severe infractions.